Main Course

Sardine Tagine

Name: Sardine Tagine
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: moroccan
Ingredients: 500 g fresh sardine cleaned and scaled; 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped; 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped; 4 clove garlic minced; 1 tsp paprika; 0.5 tsp cumin; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 400 g canned diced tomato; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp paprika; 0.5 tsp cumin; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 0.5 cup water; 1 pcs yellow onion thinly sliced; 1 pcs green bell pepper sliced; 1 pcs red bell pepper sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 0.5 pcs lemon sliced into rounds

This sardine tagine features fresh sardines simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce. It's a flavorful and hearty dish, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 1 hr
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium

Gluten-free

Allergen information: may contain fish. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

sardine marinade

500 gfresh sardine, cleaned and scaled
0.25 cupfresh parsley, chopped
0.25 cupfresh cilantro, chopped
4 clovegarlic, minced
1 tsppaprika
0.5 tspcumin
0.5 tspsalt
0.25 tspblack pepper
2 tbsplemon juice
2 tbspolive oil

sauce

400 gcanned diced tomato
1 tbsptomato paste
1 tsppaprika
0.5 tspcumin
0.25 tspcayenne pepper(optional)
0.5 cupwater

base

1 pcsyellow onion, thinly sliced
1 pcsgreen bell pepper, sliced
1 pcsred bell pepper, sliced
2 tbspolive oil

garnish

0.5 pcslemon, sliced into rounds

Equipment

tagine · mixing bowl · knife

The method

Step by step

1
In a bowl, combine the fresh sardines, a quarter cup of fresh parsley, a quarter cup of fresh cilantro, two cloves of minced garlic, one teaspoon of paprika, half a teaspoon of cumin, half a teaspoon of salt, a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Marinating the sardines allows them to absorb more flavor.
2
Prepare the sauce by mixing the canned diced tomato, tomato paste, one teaspoon of paprika, half a teaspoon of cumin, and a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using) in a separate bowl.
About 2 min
3
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a tagine or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: A tagine helps to distribute heat evenly and keeps the dish moist.
4
Add the sliced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
About 7 min
5
Pour in the prepared tomato sauce and half a cup of water. Bring to a gentle simmer.
About 3 min
6
Carefully arrange the marinated sardines over the simmering sauce.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even cooking.
7
Cover the tagine or pot and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the sardines are cooked through and flaky.
About 25 min
8
Garnish with fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, and lemon slices before serving.
Cook’s note: Serve hot with couscous or crusty bread.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover sardine tagine in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.