Marinated Mackerel with Dill and Beets

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).

Wash the beets and wrap them in foil, then bake for fifty minutes or so, until tenderor, if you prefer, boil them in deep, unsalted water for about thirty minutes, until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife.

Remove and discard their skins.

Slice into thick rounds and set aside.

For the marinade, pour the vinegar and lemon juice into a stainless-steel saucepan with 2/3 cup (150ml) water.

Add the bay leaves.

Scrub the carrot and slice it finely.

Peel the onion and slice that similarly.

Peel and squash the garlic and add it to the pan, together with the carrot and onion, sugar, coriander seeds, and juniper berries.

Bring all to a boil, then add a teaspoon of salt and the peppercorns.

Pour in the olive oil and let the mixture simmer for a minute or two, until the onion has softened slightly.

Turn off the heat.

Warm a little olive oil in a nonstick frying pan.

Season the fish fillets and lay them, skin side down, in the oil.

Let them color, then turn them over.

Lift them from the pan and place in a shallow dish.

Add the dill and beets to the marinade.

Pour over the fish and let cool.

Lift the fish onto plates and spoon over the vegetables and juices.