The Book of Household Management by Mrs. Beeton

280. INGREDIENTS.--1/4 lb. of salt to each gallon of water.

_Mode_.--Cleanse the inside of the fish thoroughly, and lay it in the kettle with sufficient water to cover it with salt as above; bring it gradually to boil, skim well, and simmer gently till done; dish them on a hot napkin, heads and tails alternately, and garnish with fennel. Fennel sauce and plain melted butter are the usual accompaniments to boiled mackerel; but caper or anchovy sauce is sometimes served with it. (_See_ Coloured Plate, F.) _Time_.--After the water boils, 10 minutes; for large mackerel, allow more time. _Average cost_, from 4d. _Seasonable_ from April to July. _Note_.--When variety is desired, fillet the mackerel, boil it, and pour over parsley and butter; send some of this, besides, in a tureen. BROILED MACKEREL.