Welcome to Rice Cookers 101, where we make cooking rice easy and delicious! Today we’re excited to share with you a tasty recipe for Nigerian Mackerel Rice. This dish is filled with flavor, combining the smoky taste of mackerel with the fragrant spices that make Nigerian cuisine so distinctive. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a one-pot meal that can be prepared quickly and easily using your trusty rice cooker. So let’s get started! We’ve made this nigerian mackeral rice recipe easy to follow 👨‍🍳. If you’re looking for our favorite rice cookers to make this recipe, check out our list of top rice cookers here.

nigerian mackeral rice ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of rice
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 can of mackerel in tomato sauce
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp of thyme
  • 1 tsp of curry powder
  • 1 tsp of dried pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 2 tbsp of vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
  2. Drain the water and set aside.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat.
  4. Add the chopped onions and fry until translucent.
  5. Add the minced garlic and fry for 1 minute.
  6. Add the thyme, curry powder, and dried pepper flakes to the pot and stir.
  7. Add the rice to the pot and stir well.
  8. Drain the tomato sauce from the mackerel can into a measuring cup, and add enough water to make 2 cups of liquid. Pour into the pot with the rice and stir well.
  9. Season with salt and bring to a boil.
  10. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook until tender and the liquid has been absorbed, about 20-25 minutes.
  11. Drain the mackerel and flake it into the rice. Mix well.
  12. Cover the pot and let it sit for another 5-10 minutes, or until the mackerel is heated through.
  13. Serve hot and enjoy!

nigerian mackeral rice

How long does nigerian mackeral rice last in the fridge?

Nigerian mackerel rice can be stored in the fridge for up to four days after cooking, provided it has been stored in an airtight container. It is important to refrigerate the rice promptly, ideally within two hours of cooking, to prevent bacterial growth. When reheating the rice, it is recommended to ensure it is thoroughly heated all the way through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential bacteria. If you are unsure about the quality of the rice or if it has been stored for longer than four days, it is best to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

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Low calorie nigerian mackeral rice recipe substitutions

To make this recipe lower in calories, several substitutions can be made. Firstly, reducing the amount of vegetable oil used or switching to a calorie-free cooking spray can significantly cut down the calorie count. Second, using brown rice instead of white rice can add more fiber and nutrients while keeping the calorie count lower. Third, substituting fresh fish or seafood instead of canned mackerel can also make a difference in calorie count. Using fresh herbs and spices instead of salt can also make this recipe lower in sodium and fit for a low-calorie diet. Additionally, reducing the amount of rice used and adding more vegetables such as carrots, peas, and green beans can add more nutrients, fiber, and volume to the dish while keeping the calories low.

What to serve with a nigerian mackeral rice?

Nigerian mackerel rice is often served with plantains and a side salad. To make the plantains, slice them into 1/2 inch thick pieces and fry them in hot oil until golden brown. For the salad, chop up a variety of fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, and toss them together with a simple dressing made of oil, vinegar, and mustard. This combination of crisp, sweet plantains and refreshing salad perfectly complement the savory, spicy flavors of the mackerel rice dish.

Whats the best sauce for a nigerian mackeral rice?

The best sauce for Nigerian mackerel rice would be a tomato-based sauce with added spices and flavours. To make this sauce, heat up some oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions, garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then, add in tomato puree, diced tomatoes, thyme, curry powder, crayfish and sliced bell peppers. Let the mixture cook down for a few minutes until the flavors have melded together. Finally, add in pieces of smoked mackerel and simmer for a few minutes to allow the fish to soak up the flavors of the sauce. Serve the sauce over the cooked rice for a delicious and flavorful meal.

Nigerian mackeral rice health benefits

Nigerian mackerel rice is a flavorful dish that provides several health benefits. Mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Rice provides carbohydrates to fuel the body and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. Additionally, the vegetables used in the recipe, such as onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers, provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. To make this dish even healthier, consider using brown rice instead of white rice for additional fiber and nutrients. Overall, Nigerian mackerel rice is a delicious and nutritious option for a meal.

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