By nutritional therapist Christine Bailey

Tangy and sweet, this is a delicious sauce for mackerel and other oily fish. Accompany with homemade sauerkraut or pickles for a speedy light dish. Oily fish is one of the best foods for both your mood and brain health. This lean protein is rich in vitamin B12 which has been shown to reduce feelings of depression. It also packs plenty of omega-3 fats which help optimise brain function and production of neurotransmitters. Mackerel is also rich in tryptophan, the amino acid required to boost serotonin levels.

(serves 2)

Ingredients:
70g tamarind puree
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp xylitol or maple syrup
½ tsp ground cumin
2 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp grated ginger root
2 mackerel fillets, boneless
Olive oil
Pinch of sea salt

Method:
Mix together the tamarind puree, water, xylitol, cumin, lemon juice and ginger.

Score the mackerel fillets a couple of times on the skin, then lay them in a shallow dish. Spoon half of the sauce over the mackerel fillets and marinate for 30 minutes. Place the remaining sauce in a small bowl.

Preheat the oven to 190C, gas mark 6. Place the mackerel in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the fillets with a little olive oil and some sea salt, then bake for 15-20 minutes until the flesh is opaque and cooked through.

Serve the mackerel with vegetables, sauerkraut or pickles and the remaining sauce.

About Christine Bailey
Christine is an award-winning nutritionist, chef and author. With a passion for creating delicious nourishing recipes, Christine has a reputation for transforming people’s health and love of real food. As well as seeing clients and writing for national press,  Christine runs ‘Nourish’ cookery classes including popular hands-on days for children. Christine is an inspiring nutritional chef well known for her engaging style and enthusiasm.

Christine is the author of numerous health and recipe books including ebooks on paleo eating and gluten-free recipes. Her books include her popular Supercharged Juices and Smoothies, The Juice Diet Book, The Raw Food Diet Book and Eat to Get Younger. Christine has particular specialisms in paleo diets, allergy free cooking, digestive health, coeliac disease and other autoimmune conditions, allergies, healthy ageing and weight loss.

For more information visit her website www.christinebailey.co.uk or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.