# Mackerel with Ginger-Tomato Sauce over Mashed Potatoes

Quick one-pan stovetop meal using expiring ginger and tomatoes with canned mackerel in tomato sauce. Served over instant mash (quality check required) or fresh potatoes as backup.

## Ingredients

**From inventory:**
- [ ] 1 can (170g) mackerel fillet in tomato sauce `ID:mackerel-nautica-tomato` (location: food2-canned, bb:2027-02)
- [ ] ~40g fresh ginger root, grated (about a 4cm piece) (location: pantry-fridge, bb:2026-05-25:EST) ⚠️ expires in 2 days — use all or most of it
- [ ] 2–3 fresh tomatoes `ID:tomatoes-2026-05-20` (location: pantry-behind-stove, bb:2026-05-27:EST) ⚠️ 4 days left
- [ ] 1 tbsp olive oil `ID:oliveoil-costadoro` (location: pantry-spice-stove)
- [ ] 1 tbsp butter (location: pantry-fridge, bb:2026-06-01)
- [ ] Squeeze of lemon `ID:lemons-2026-05-11` (location: pantry-behind-stove, bb:2026-05-25:EST) ⚠️ expires in 2 days
- [ ] Dried basil `ID:basil-dried-ab` (location: F-13, bb:2030-01)
- [ ] Black pepper `ID:pepper-black-bg` (location: F-13)

**Optional:**
- [ ] 1 tbsp capers `ID:capers-greek` (location: food3-canned, bb:2026-05-31) — excellent with mackerel

**Instant mash — quality check first:**
- [ ] 1 packet (110g) instant mashed potatoes `ID:mashed-potato-lidl` ⚠️ expired 2024-12 — open and smell before committing (location: TB-17, bb:2024-12)

**Backup if expired mash is off:**
- [ ] 2–3 medium potatoes from `ID:МИТИ КАРТОФИ` (location: F-12, bb:2026-08-08:EST) — boil 20 min, mash by hand with butter
- OR 1 portion of `ID:potato-puree-lidl` (location: food2, bb:2027-02)

**Needs shopping:**
- [ ] 🛒 1 medium onion
- [ ] 🛒 2 cloves garlic

## Equipment

All stovetop (gas). No blender or mixer needed — mash by hand if using fresh potatoes.

## Instructions

1. **Quality check the mash**: Open one 110g packet. Check smell and appearance — dry instant mash that's gone off smells rancid (like old fat/cardboard). If fine, set aside. If off: boil the fresh potatoes (~20 min) or use the puree box.

   *If using fresh potatoes, start them now in boiling salted water.*

2. **Fry the onion**: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Finely dice the onion and fry 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.

3. **Add ginger and garlic**: Grate the ginger finely (no peeling needed if the skin is clean). Mince or crush the garlic. Add both to the pan, stir for 1 minute.

4. **Add tomatoes**: Chop the fresh tomatoes roughly. Add to the pan. Cook 6–8 minutes until they break down into a chunky sauce. Season with black pepper.

5. **Add mackerel**: Open the can, flake the fish into the sauce in fairly large pieces. Stir gently to avoid breaking it up completely. Add capers if using. Heat through 2–3 minutes. Add a squeeze of lemon, taste and adjust.

6. **Make the mash**: Follow packet instructions (typically ~200ml boiling water per 110g, add butter). If using fresh potatoes: drain, add butter and a splash of the cooking water, mash by hand until smooth.

7. **Serve**: Mound mash on plates, spoon the mackerel-tomato sauce over the top. Add a little more lemon if liked. Sprinkle dried basil or fresh parsley if you get some.

## Variations

> **Note:** Mackerel in spicy tomato sauce (`ID:mackerel-sirena`) could substitute — it's already spiced, so reduce or omit the chili/black pepper.

> **Note:** The remaining ginger (after using ~40g) can go into ginger tea, salad dressing, or be frozen if it won't be used within the next day.

## Items used from inventory

| Item | ID | Location | Status |
|------|----|----------|--------|
| Mackerel in tomato sauce | mackerel-nautica-tomato | food2-canned | OK, bb:2027-02 |
| Fresh ginger root | (no ID) | pantry-fridge | ⚠️ bb:2026-05-25 |
| Fresh tomatoes | tomatoes-2026-05-20 | pantry-behind-stove | ⚠️ bb:2026-05-27 |
| Lemons | lemons-2026-05-11 | pantry-behind-stove | ⚠️ bb:2026-05-25 |
| Instant mashed potatoes | mashed-potato-lidl | TB-17 | EXPIRED bb:2024-12 — quality check |
| Butter | (Pilos НЕМСКО МАСЛО) | pantry-fridge | OK, bb:2026-06-01 |
| Capers (optional) | capers-greek | food3-canned | bb:2026-05-31 |

---

*Generated 2026-05-23 to use expiring ginger (2 days) and clear expired instant mash from TB-17.*