Fish Tagine
Fish Tagine is a delicious and aromatic Moroccan dish, typically made with white fish and a blend of spices, vegetables, and sometimes olives and preserved lemons. It’s cooked in a tagine, which helps the ingredients meld together into a flavorful, tender stew. Here’s a recipe for Fish Tagine:
Ingredients:
- 4 fillets of firm white fish (e.g., cod, sea bass, halibut)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 preserved lemon, quartered (or lemon zest)
- 1/2 cup green or Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup water or fish broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Spice Mix (Chermoula Marinade):
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the fish: In a bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cayenne (if using), lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the chermoula. Rub the fish fillets with the chermoula marinade and let them sit for 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Sauté the vegetables: In a tagine or a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, garlic, and bell pepper (if using). Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Layer the tagine: Arrange the tomato slices on top of the onion mixture. Place the marinated fish fillets on top of the tomatoes. Add the olives and preserved lemon quarters around the fish.
Simmer the dish: Pour the water or fish broth into the tagine (or skillet), then cover with the lid. Reduce heat to low and let the fish tagine simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish and serve: Once cooked, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the fish. Serve the tagine hot, accompanied by couscous, rice, or crusty bread.
Enjoy the vibrant and refreshing flavors of this Fish Tagine, a delightful dish with a balance of spices, citrus, and briny olives!