I probably add a packet of smoked mackerel to my online shopping basket every week. It is relatively cheap, delicious and they contain a good amount of mood boosting, heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Ed and I both love them, and I can guarantee that if I go away for a few days and leave a packet in the fridge they would have vanished by the time I get home. They also freeze brilliantly, but do remove the skin before popping into the freezer.
I usually flake them into a salad, or whizz with some mayonnaise or cream cheese into pâté. Both mayonnaise and cream cheese are fairly calorie dense, much of this coming from fat, the lower fat ones simply do not taste as good, and some are packed with additives that as far as I am concerned have no business being there.
This lighter and healthier smoked mackerel pâté, (or is that a smoked mackerel hummus?) was whizzed up as a quick lunch for two, when we only had one mackerel fillet, the scrappings from a nearly empty jar of mayonnaise as well as a third of a can of chickpeas. I guarantee you will not notice it is not made with 100% mayonnaise as a mixer. If you do not have any lemons, add a few drops of vinegar from a jar of capers or pickles, it lightens and makes a huge difference to the finished pâté.
Also delicious served in a sandwich
Everything You Need To Know
More Easy Smoked Mackerel Recipes
If you like smoked mackerel you might like
Recipe: Healthier Smoked Mackerel Pâté
Ingredients
- 1 smoked mackerel fillet (skin removed)
- 1 tsp mayonnaise
- 1/3 small can chickpeas (drained and rinsed. Or use garbanzo beans)
- 2 tbs milk (use 1 more tbs if needed)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Simply place the ingredients into a food processor or mini chopper and whizz until you have a smooth pâté.
- Season to taste.
Notes
- Variations – Add teaspoon of grain mustard, horseradish sauce, or a pinch of nori flakes.
- Make with vegan mayonnaise to make this egg free
- This recipe is 9 Weight Watchers Smart Points per portion
For more inspiration why not try
My anchovy & butter bean hummus
My red lentil, lime and coriander hummus
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry
I love the idea of adding in chickpeas Helen. It is brilliant.
Helen
It really does not make that much difference to the flavour, and of course makes the dish for cheaper to make.
Camilla @FabFood4All
I want this right now that photograph looks so inviting:-)
Helen
Thank you Camilla! It did make rather a good lunch today.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
I have really gotten in to mackerel recently. It has so much flavour.
Helen
We love smoked mackerel, and I agree because there is so much flavour you can bung in all those chickpeas and really not notice.
Linda (Meal Planning Maven)
Looks like a wonderful healthy and delicious light meal or snack!
Helen
So good. We loved smoked mackerel in this household!
Catherine
Dear Helen, This sounds like a delicious idea for leftover fish…I love how you served it alongside salad. This is a light and perfect lunch or dinner. xo, Catherine
Helen
It is a lunchtime staple in my house Catherine!
Heather
I love mackerel, and I love hummus. I definitely want to try this one ????
Helen
Go for it Heather. Let me know what you think of it.
Jen
I love smoked mackerel but haven’t bought any for a while, adding the chickpeas is a great idea to make it go a bit further.
Helen
Love smoked mackerel too. Making it go further is always good.
Lucy @ Bakingqueen74
This sounds delicious! I love mackerel too and this sounds like a great way to make it a bit different. #creditcrunchmunch
Helen
Any excuse for #ExtraVeg!
Kate @ Veggie Desserts
My husband would seriously love this! Fantastic idea with the chickpeas in it. Thanks for entering #ExtraVeg!
Helen
We adore smoked fish here Kate, this makes it go a bit further.
Christophe
Oh God! It looks delicious. Great alternative for hot days that will come. Thank you for inspiration!
Helen
Thank you!
Emily Leary
Looks and sounds lovely, Helen. Loving the styling too.
Helen
Thank you Emily. High praise from you!
Sally - My Custard Pie
You’ve done a great job at making those sandwiches sound and look so tempting. And it’s lunchtime •hungerpangs
Helen
Thanks Sally, It was a very quick and easy lunch.
Urvashi
I’ve only just recently started eating mackerel. I love the simplicity of this. It’s so decadent but quick. I might try this with creme fraiche vs mayo though as mayo gives me an upset tum
Helen
Creme fraiche would be excellent. I love it, but we never get though a pot so it tends to go off.
nazima
I never normally cook or eat mackerel fillets but love the pate. Never tried making it myself but I think I will try this out with some home made crackers for a picnic once the weather is more reliably warm!
Helen
I had the heating on last night and still have the winter duvet. Warm weather seems a long way away sadly.
Marty
This is delicious. We always have canned fish in the pantry.
David Howson
I’m sorry but how does adding Vegan mayonnaise possibly make this a Vegan dish – It’s fish!
Still a nice recipe tho!
Helen
Opps – my mistake – It was meant to read egg free!