Sardine Tagine with Chermoula

Experience the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this traditional Sardine Tagine, a dish that brings together the freshness of the sea and the richness of North African spices. Marinated in a zesty chermoula and layered over a medley of vegetables, this tagine offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. It's a perfect representation of Moroccan culinary artistry, providing a wholesome and satisfying meal that's both healthy and flavorful.

Serves : 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (1 kg) fresh sardines, cleaned and deboned (heads removed)
• 1 cup chermoula
• 3 tablespoons preserved lemon flesh, finely chopped
• 3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 3 bell peppers (any color), seeded and sliced into rings
• 3 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 large zucchini, sliced
• Lemon slices or additional chopped preserved lemon, for garnish
• Chopped fresh coriander, for garnish​

Method

1. Marinate the Sardines: Combine the chermoula with the chopped preserved lemon flesh. Using your hands, coat the sardines inside and out with half of this mixture. Cover and refrigerate to marinate; the longer, the better.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). In a large ovenproof dish, arrange the potato slices in a crisscross pattern, followed by layers of bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes. Mix the remaining chermoula with 2 tablespoons of water to thin it slightly, then drizzle over the vegetables, ensuring they're well coated.​
3. Assemble the Tagine: Place the marinated sardines atop the vegetable layers. Garnish with lemon slices or additional preserved lemon. Cover the dish with foil.​
4. Cook: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the sardines are cooked through.​
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh coriander and serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or warm couscous.​

We hope this Sardine Tagine brings a taste of Moroccan tradition to your table. We'd love to hear how it turned out for you—feel free to share your experience and any personal twists you added!