Mackerel Curry

"Tannie Heleen se Makriel Kerrie"

When you flip through a homemade cookbook in South Africa, you’ll often come across hand-written recipes that use words like: “Tannie Rina se Soet Suur Frikadelle , Lenie se Kerriehoender, Anna se Karringmelk Beskuit…. or Heleen’s recipe for Middlecut Fish Curry “

This would indicated that that specific recipe was received from a friend or family member by that name (and always a trusted, tried and tested recipe). Well, this one is no different. I can honestly say my aunt is a great chef-at-home, and when you have one of her recipes, you can count on it to be delicious. This one is no different. Although an acquired taste to someone who is not used to eating canned Mackerel, in South Africa this is one a winner.

This recipe is made with

1 tin (425g) of Middlecut Fish

What is Middlecut?

Middlecut is a firm, yet succulent fish named Mackerel.

It is rich in Omega 3 & 6 oils, as well as vitamins and minerals.

Can I use something else in stead of Mackerel?

Yes. In stead of Middlecut (Mackerel) you can also make this recipe with Pilchards (from a tin), but then just leave out the fresh tomato, as the tin already has a tomato based sauce. Most recipes calling for Middlecut (Mackerel) can be substituted with Pilchards, just tweak your recipe a bit according to taste. However, for the best taste, in this recipe, the Middlecut is best.

The recipe is so easy: How to make "Middlecut" Curry

This recipe is made with the minimum ingredients for those end-of-the-month-days.

¼ pack of bacon (fry with fine onion in butter and a little oil)
± 6 potatoes (diced)
1 tomato (diced)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Pour the above all together and cook until 90% done.

425 g Middlecut (in a tin) – Remove bones from the fish and crush slightly.

Sauce

2 tablespoons of sugar
1 tbsp Vinegar
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp curry
Fruit Chutney (to taste)

Put everything together and cook until done.

Serve on rice.

This recipe is made with love, especially for those days when the pantry is empty, or in the middle of winter when you want something other than soup or pancakes. Although, it does make a great filling for a savory South African pancake.

This curry-fish-recipe is mild.

It is not at all as “hot” as the traditional Durban Curry recipes. If you love something “hot”, check out ‘Aunty Maurine’s Durban Middlecut Fish Curry recipe‘.