Saturday 28 April 2012

Barbecued Mackerel

We've had two weeks of rain. Now, this is a Good Thing because we are in drought, but on a damp-footed day-to-day level it's a bit of a drag. I know they talk fondly about April showers, but these bursts of torrential rain, howling wind, hail, thunder and lightning followed by 10 minutes of bright hot sunshine are very challenging to the wardrobe. Layers come into play (rookie error - I wore a black bra under a white shirt to work the other day, assuming I wouldn't get warm enough to take off my pullover). It makes a girl very much aware that her boots need re-soling and that wet trouser hems just don't dry all day. 

It's weather that makes you want comforting, starchy food, but at the same time fresh, zingy summer flavours are calling.

In one 45 minute gap between cloudbursts, we lit the barbecue. Peppers, courgette and salt-rubbed mackerel were soon joined by some wedges of hispi cabbage. Just before the heavens opened again, we whisked it all off the grill, bathed it in a sort of Asian-y marinade of soy, mirin, ginger, garlic and a little sesame oil and got to appreciate a little taste of sunshine.

Barbecued mackerel, courgette and red peppers

10 comments:

leaf (the indolent cook) said...

Yes! I like mackerel. So good grilled with a bit of salt.

Caroline said...

Looks great - I'm impressed that you made the most of a brief cloud break. Have to admit to being Fed Up with this particular drought, especially as the NW isn't in drought! Damp commuting is no fun.

Alicia Foodycat said...

Leaf - it is so good, isn't it?

Caroline - I would like to be properly dry for a while!

Bettina Douglas said...

Proper mackerel - lovely! We did have Spanish mackerel at Fins the other day - realy fresh.

Tip from one of my work colleagues - wear a skirt on wet days. Much more likely to dry & be comfortable than trousers. (Maybe thats why the Scots wore kilts?)

Hotly Spiced said...

I've heard the UK is in a drought and that you have water restrictions in place. It's hard to imagine a country so green could ever experience drought. I hate rain but when you're in drought it seems to wrong to complain about it. xx

Alicia Foodycat said...

Mother - I know & I do usually but I didn't have any clean tights!

Charlie - It's not a drought like Australian droughts! But not enough rain has fallen on the bits that count and the reservoirs are old and in disrepair.

Heather S-G said...

That meal would definitely be a nice ray of light in the midst of all the crazy weather. It sounds delicious!

Jude said...

Looks fab. What is hispi cabbage?

Alicia Foodycat said...

Heather - thanks, it was!

Jude - it's one of those pointed cabbages with quite a loose heart.

Elly McCausland said...

Grilled mackerel AND grilled peppers? Basically my idea of food heaven...

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