Delicious Smoked Mackerel & Zucchini Casserole with Creamy Coconut Mashed Potatoes
Prepare to be delighted by this incredibly flavorful and comforting casserole, featuring tender smoked mackerel, vibrant zucchini, and a rich, creamy topping of mashed potatoes. The smoked mackerel and fresh zucchini are simmered in an aromatic curry marinade, creating a deep, savory base. This delicious mixture is then generously covered with silky-smooth mashed potatoes, baked in the oven until perfectly golden brown. It’s a truly satisfying and surprisingly easy dinner recipe that will quickly become a family favorite!
Smoked Mackerel, Zucchini, and Mashed Potatoes: A Flavorful Casserole Experience
While smoked mackerel is often enjoyed in salads or as a quick snack with crackers, its potential extends far beyond. This casserole elevates the humble fish into a hearty and surprisingly sophisticated oven dish. The magic lies in pairing the rich, smoky flavor of mackerel with an unexpected blend of Asian-inspired spices.
Imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as ginger, garlic, and a hint of curry powder infuse the sautéed zucchini. These warming spices, though not traditionally associated with mackerel, create an exquisite balance with its salty notes. To further enhance this unique flavor profile, plump raisins are added, providing a subtle sweetness that perfectly counters the fish’s savoriness and the spices’ warmth.
But the true comfort of this dish comes from its creamy topping. Instead of traditional milk, we use coconut milk to create a mashed potato layer that’s not only incredibly smooth but also adds a delicate, exotic touch. This thoughtful substitution also makes the recipe naturally lactose-free, catering to a wider range of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. Once it emerges from the oven, golden and bubbling, the harmonious blend of aromas promises a truly exceptional meal. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, cleverly combined, can create something truly special.
The Health Benefits of Zucchini
Beyond its delicious taste and versatility in cooking, zucchini stands out as a remarkably healthy vegetable. It’s packed with essential vitamins, vital minerals, and dietary fiber, all while being wonderfully low in calories. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to incorporate more nutritious elements into their diet without compromising on flavor.
A common question is whether to peel zucchini. Its skin is naturally thin and soft, meaning peeling is entirely optional. In fact, leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients, as well as a pleasant textural contrast. Zucchini can be enjoyed in numerous ways – raw in salads, gently cooked in stir-fries, or baked into comforting dishes like this casserole. As with any food, moderation is key; enjoy zucchini regularly as part of a varied diet, alternating it with other seasonal vegetables to maximize nutrient intake and maintain a balanced diet.
Smoked Mackerel: A Healthy and Flavorful Choice
For this recipe, we’ve chosen smoked mackerel, a fantastic alternative to more commonly used fish like tuna. Mackerel is a wonderfully tasty, oily fish, much like tuna, but it comes with the added benefit of being a more sustainable choice, often less impacted by overfishing concerns. The smoking process imparts a deep, complex flavor that elevates the entire casserole, adding a sophisticated dimension to the dish that fresh fish simply can’t replicate.
Nutritionally, mackerel is a powerhouse, especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. Health organizations consistently recommend including fatty fish in your diet at least once a week to reap these benefits. Opting for smoked mackerel in this casserole not only introduces incredible flavor but also helps you meet your weekly omega-3 intake, making this a truly healthy and satisfying meal.
Gather Your Ingredients for This Delicious Mackerel Casserole
Creating this delightful Casserole with Smoked Mackerel, Zucchini, and Mashed Potatoes requires a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. You’ll find the precise measurements conveniently listed in the recipe card located at the bottom of this page. Here’s a closer look at what makes each component shine:
- Smoked Mackerel: This oily fish offers firm, flavorful flesh with a distinct salty and smoky taste. A key step is carefully filleting it to remove any small bones. Take your time to thoroughly check the meat as you flake it. For variations, smoked salmon or even unsmoked tuna can be used, though they will alter the smoky character of the dish.
- Potatoes: The foundation of our creamy topping. Opt for floury varieties like Russet, King Edward, Yukon Gold, or Maris Piper, as these create the fluffiest, most desirable mash.
- Zucchini: Far from boring, zucchini is a wonderfully versatile vegetable. In this casserole, it’s transformed by infusing it with exotic spices, providing a fresh and tender counterpoint to the rich fish. No need to peel, as the skin is delicate and adds nutrients.
- Raisins: These small, sweet gems are a crucial element, adding a delicate sweetness that beautifully balances the salty mackerel and the warmth of the curry. If you don’t have raisins, currants or finely chopped dates make excellent substitutes, each offering a slightly different sweet accent.
- Ginger, Garlic, and Curry Powder: This aromatic trio forms the heart of our flavor profile. Sautéing the zucchini with fresh ginger and garlic creates a fragrant base. Curry powder, a blend typically including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and often enriched with spices like mustard seed, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon, adds complex warmth. Adjust to your preference: use a mild curry for a gentle flavor or a spicy blend for a kick.
- Coconut Milk: This is our secret ingredient for the mashed potatoes, replacing traditional dairy milk. It not only makes the dish lactose-free but also imparts a subtle oriental creaminess that complements the curry-spiced mackerel and zucchini perfectly. If you prefer a more classic flavor, regular milk or a plant-based alternative like soy milk can be used in the same quantity.
How to Prepare Your Delicious Potato Casserole with Mackerel and Zucchini
Crafting this flavorful casserole is a straightforward process, combining simple cooking techniques to create a truly comforting meal. For a detailed, printable recipe with exact measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the very end of this blog post. Follow these steps to bring this delightful dish to life:
- Begin by heating the oil in a large skillet. Add the diced zucchini, grated ginger, minced garlic, curry powder, softened raisins, and a seasoning of salt and pepper. Stir-fry these ingredients for approximately 3 minutes until the zucchini is lightly browned and tender-crisp. This quick sautéing step is crucial for developing a richer flavor in your zucchini base.
- While the zucchini cooks, boil your prepared potatoes for about 20 minutes, or until they are perfectly tender when pierced with a fork. Drain them thoroughly, then mash until smooth. For an extra fluffy mash, gently heat the coconut milk before stirring it into the potatoes. If you enjoy a touch of heat, now is the time to mix in a dash of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your creamy mash.
- Carefully flake the smoked mackerel, ensuring all bones are removed. Then, gently fold the mackerel meat into the seasoned zucchini mixture until well combined.
- Transfer the mackerel and zucchini mixture evenly to the bottom of your prepared baking dish, forming a flavorful base.
- Spread the creamy mashed potatoes generously over the zucchini layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and covers the fish mixture completely.
- Finally, bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 °F (180 °C) for about 15 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is beautifully golden brown and lightly crispy. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful aromas and flavors!
Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C
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casserole pan 13 x 9 inch
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frying pan
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes , floury, Peel the potatoes. Cut them into four equal pieces when the potatoes are big. Halve the medium potatoes. That way, all the potatoes got a similar size and will be done at the same time.
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 inch fresh ginger, fresh, skin of and grated
- 2 cloves garlic , squeezed
- 2 zucchini , Wash the zucchini. Remove the top and bottom and slice into small cubes of ½ x ½ inch (1 x 1 cm).
- 1 tablespoon madras curry , mild
- 4 tablespoons raisins, Soak the raisins for 10 minutes in hot water.
- salt and pepper , to taste
- 4 ounces smoked mackerel , Pull the mackerel apart, removing bones when you find them. It’s a very precise job so take your time.
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Preperation
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Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C) and grease an oven dish.
Mashed potatoes
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Boil the potatoes for 20 minutes. Check if they’re done by pinching a fork into a potato. The fork has to slide in (otherwise, extend the cooking time by 2 minutes).2 pounds potatoes
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Drain the potatoes and mash them.
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Heat the coconut milk and stir it through the mashed potatoes.1 cup coconut milk
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Add salt and pepper to taste.
Casserole
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In a frying pan, heat the oil.2 tablespoons oil
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Add the zucchini cubes, ginger, garlic, curry, raisins and pepper, and salt to taste and stir-fry for 3 minutes.1 inch fresh ginger, 2 cloves garlic, 2 zucchini, 1 tablespoon madras curry, 4 tablespoons raisins, salt and pepper
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Turn the heat off and mix the mackerel through the zucchini mixture.4 ounces smoked mackerel
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Spread the mackerel mixture on the bottom of the oven dish.
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Top with the mashed potatoes.
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Put the casserole in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
Notes
If children are going to have this casserole for dinner, then replace the smoked mackerel with tuna or another boneless fish. Smoked mackerel may contain small bones, so extra caution is needed during preparation and consumption to ensure a safe and enjoyable meal for everyone.
2. Potatoes – To achieve the best mashed potato topping, always choose floury varieties like Russet, King Edward, or Yukon Gold. These potatoes break down beautifully when boiled, resulting in a light and fluffy mash that crisps up perfectly in the oven. For consistent cooking, ensure all potato pieces are roughly the same size before boiling.
3. Raisins – Soaking the raisins in hot water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the zucchini mixture is a simple trick that makes them incredibly juicy and enhances their natural sweetness. This small step significantly improves their texture and flavor contribution to the casserole. You can also replace raisins with currants for a tart contrast or finely chopped dates for a richer, more exotic sweetness.
4. – Oven Temperature – For optimal baking results, set your conventional oven to 390 °F (200 °C). If you are using a convection oven (which typically has an air fan), a slightly lower temperature of 350 °F (180 °C) is usually sufficient to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking. Always keep an eye on your casserole, as oven temperatures can vary.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigerator – Should you have any delicious leftovers of this casserole, allow it to cool down to room temperature as quickly as possible (within 1-2 hours). Transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. It can then be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Freezer – This casserole freezes wonderfully! To freeze, ensure the casserole is completely cool. Cover the baking dish with a layer of plastic wrap directly touching the mashed potato topping, then wrap the entire dish thoroughly in aluminum foil or an additional layer of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat – To reheat a chilled casserole, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from drying out. Bake in a preheated oven at 320 °F (160 °C) for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. If reheating from frozen, it may take longer – around 60-75 minutes, still covered. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes if you desire a crisper topping.
- Leftover Mackerel Uses: Mackerel has a relatively short shelf life once opened or cooked. If you find yourself with extra smoked mackerel, it’s incredibly versatile. Consider using it in a Penne with Smoked Mackerel and Herb Cheese for a quick pasta meal or crafting a unique Fish Burger with Smoked Mackerel for a gourmet twist.
6. Nutritional Value: The nutritional information provided is an estimate per serving and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Nutrition
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More Delicious Casserole and Fish Recipes to Explore
If you enjoyed this comforting smoked mackerel casserole, you might love exploring other satisfying and healthy dishes. Here are a few more recipes to inspire your next meal:
- Smoked Salmon & Wasabi Potato Latkes
- Sauerkraut casserole
- Grilled Salmon and Courgette
- Classic Dutch Rump pot roast