Pasta alla mackerelena

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 1 can mackerel fillet(s) in olive oil
• 1 garlic clove(s)
• 1 can tomatoes, peeled
• 2 pickles
• 3 sprigs of parsley, fresh or frozen
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ¼ lemon(s), the juice
• salt and pepper
• chili powder
• e.g. Parmesan, grated or Pecorino
• 500 g pasta (paccheri) or other variety, as desired

Instructions

Working time approx. 5 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 20 minutes; Total time approx. 25 minutes

Simple and fast

Heat a pan over medium heat and add the mackerel fillets and oil. Stir in the fish until only small pieces remain. Crush the fish until only small pieces remain. Crush the garlic clove and sauté briefly, then deglaze with the peeled tomatoes and mash the tomatoes with a fork. Slice the gherkins and add them. Chop the parsley and add it to the sauce. Add the tomato paste, mix well, and simmer. Season to taste with salt, pepper, a little chili powder, and the squeezed lemon juice. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finally, add a little Parmesan or Pecorino cheese to the sauce and stir well. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Remove the cooked pasta from the water with a slotted spoon and add it to the sauce. Do not drain; the pasta water makes the sauce creamier. Mix everything well. Serve with extra Pecorino or Parmesan.