Spaghetti with Mackerel and Pine Nuts Recipe

Spaghetti with Mackerel and Pine Nuts Recipe

  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 2 tablespoons hot water
  • 3/4 pound spaghetti
  • 7 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound mackerel fillets
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  1. Put the raisins and the hot water in a small bowl and leave until the water is absorbed. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the spaghetti until just done, about 12 minutes. Drain the spaghetti.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderate heat. Sprinkle the mackerel with 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Cook the fish until just done, 2 to 3 minutes per side for 1/2-inch thick fillets. Remove the fish and then wipe out the pan. When the fish is cool enough to handle, discard the skin and flake the fish.
  3. In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until starting to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the pine nuts and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the raisins, mackerel, the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Toss the mixture with the spaghetti, the remaining 5 tablespoons olive oil, and the dill.