A flavorful Moroccan dish featuring sardines marinated in spices and cooked with vegetables in a tajine.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500gfresh sardines, cleaned and filleted
- 2piecelarge onions, finely chopped
- 3clovegarlic, minced
- 2piecemedium tomatoes, chopped
- 1piecebell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1tspground cumin
- 1tspground coriander
- 1tsppaprika
- 1/2tspcayenne pepper
- 1/2tspturmeric
- 4tbspolive oil
- green olives
- 1cupwater or fish stock
For Garnish and Serving
- 1bundlefresh parsley and cilantro, chopped
- 1piecelemon, cut into wedges
How to make Moroccan Tajine with Sardines
Prepare the Marinade
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.
Sauté the Vegetables
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.
Add Tomatoes and Peppers
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
Layer the Sardines
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
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
Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, and green olives. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips & Tricks
Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste preference for spiciness.
If you don't have a tajine, use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid.