Moroccan Tajine with Sardines

m
@mostafa

A flavorful Moroccan dish featuring sardines marinated in spices and cooked with vegetables in a tajine.

Prep Time
40min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
1hr 10min
Moroccan Tajine with Sardines recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = one portion)

Main Ingredients

  • 500g
    fresh sardines, cleaned and filleted
  • 2piece
    large onions, finely chopped
  • 3clove
    garlic, minced
  • 2piece
    medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1piece
    bell pepper, sliced (optional)
  • 1tsp
    ground cumin
  • 1tsp
    ground coriander
  • 1tsp
    paprika
  • 1/2tsp
    cayenne pepper
  • 1/2tsp
    turmeric
  • 4tbsp
    olive oil
  • green olives
  • 1cup
    water or fish stock

For Garnish and Serving

  • 1bundle
    fresh parsley and cilantro, chopped
  • 1piece
    lemon, cut into wedges

How to make Moroccan Tajine with Sardines

Prepare the Marinade

  1. In a bowl, mix the sardine fillets with cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

    Step 1.1: In a bowl, mix the sardine fillets with cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, salt, and pepper

Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In a tajine or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent.

    Step 2.1: In a tajine or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat

Add Tomatoes and Peppers

  1. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften.

    Step 3.1: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper
    Step 3.2: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper
    Step 3.3: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper

Layer the Sardines

  1. Place the marinated sardine fillets on top of the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the water or fish stock, ensuring the sardines are partially submerged.

Simmer

  1. Cover the tajine and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out; add more water if necessary.

Garnish and Serve

  1. Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, and green olives. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

    Step 6.1: Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, and green olives

Tips & Tricks

  1. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste preference for spiciness.

  2. If you don't have a tajine, use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid.

FAQS

  1. How do I make Moroccan Tajine with Sardines more suitable for a gluten-free diet?

    To make Moroccan Tajine with Sardines gluten-free, simply ensure that all your spices and any additional ingredients, like olives, are certified gluten-free. This dish is naturally gluten-free as it primarily consists of fish and vegetables.

  2. What can I substitute for sardines in this Moroccan Tajine recipe?

    If you're not a fan of sardines or can't find them, you can substitute them with other fish like mackerel or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins may require different cooking durations.

  3. How should I store leftover Moroccan Tajine with Sardines?

    To store leftover Moroccan Tajine with Sardines, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

  4. What side dishes pair well with Moroccan Tajine with Sardines?

    Moroccan Tajine with Sardines pairs beautifully with couscous, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with warm pita bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

  5. How can I enhance the flavor of my Moroccan Tajine with Sardines during cooking?

    To enhance the flavor of your Moroccan Tajine with Sardines, consider adding additional spices like cinnamon or a pinch of saffron. You can also include dried fruits like apricots or raisins for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

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