This Sardine Tagine with Chermoula is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of North Africa to your table. The combination of fresh sardines, vibrant vegetables, and the aromatic chermoula marinade creates a meal that's both healthy and full of flavor. The longer the sardines marinate, the more flavorful they become, making this dish perfect for a leisurely dinner. Serve it hot with crusty bread or warm couscous for a complete meal.
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Finely chop the preserved lemon flesh and mix it with the chermoula.
Using your hands, cover the sardines and the inside of the sardines with half of the chermoula. Set the rest of the chermoula aside. Place the fish in the fridge until ready to cook the tagine. The longer the sardines marinate, the better.
When ready to cook the tagine, preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
Criss-cross the potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and tomato slices across a large ovenproof dish.
Mix the rest of the chermoula with 2 tablespoons of water and spread it across the vegetables, ensuring all the vegetables are covered with chermoula. Add a couple of tablespoons of water to make the chermoula runnier if necessary.
Arrange the refrigerated sardines on top of the vegetables and top with lemon slices.
Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and the sardines are cooked.
Serve hot with crusty bread or warm couscous. Garnish with chopped coriander.
To save time, ask your fishmonger to clean your fish.
Ensure the potato slices are not too thick, as thicker slices will take longer to cook and may cause the fish to dry out. Using a mandolin can help achieve thin, even slices.
Can I use frozen sardines for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen sardines, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating with the chermoula.
What is chermoula?
Chermoula is a North African marinade made with ingredients like cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. It adds a vibrant and aromatic flavor to dishes.
Can I substitute preserved lemon?
If you don't have preserved lemon, you can use fresh lemon zest and juice as a substitute, though it won't have the same depth of flavor.
Can I cook this dish without an oven?
Yes, you can cook this dish on the stovetop using a tagine or a large covered skillet. Cook on low heat until the potatoes are tender and the sardines are cooked through.
What can I serve with sardine tagine?
Sardine tagine pairs well with crusty bread, warm couscous, or even rice to soak up the flavorful juices.
