Fish Tagine with Olive Oil & Assorted Salads
Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-drenched coast of Morocco with our authentic Moroccan Fish Tajine with Olive Oil & Assorted Salads. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and healthy, soulful cooking that will transport your senses.
Imagine tender, flaky white fish, marinated in a rich and zesty charmoula sauce—a classic blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and signature Moroccan spices. The fish is then slow-cooked to perfection over a bed of hearty vegetables, all brought together with the golden richness of extra virgin olive oil. The traditional clay tajine pot works its magic, locking in moisture and infusing every single bite with incredible depth of flavor.
What truly elevates this dish is the complete meal experience. We show you how to pair this exquisite slow-cooked fish with a vibrant trio of classic Moroccan salads. Their cool, crisp freshness provides the perfect balance to the warm, savory tajine, creating a harmonious and truly unforgettable feast.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for a special occasion, this easy fish tajine recipe is your guide to mastering a beloved cornerstone of Moroccan cuisine.
Fish Tajine with Olive Oil & Assorted Salads
Ingredients
- 4 spoons olive oil
- 800 g white fish fillets such as cod, sea bass, bream, or snapper
- Fresh Herbs 1 bunch of fresh cilantro and 1 bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped.
- 4 to 5 cloves of garlic, crushed or finely minced.Spices:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 120 ml (½ cup) Juice of 1 fresh lemon120 ml (½ cup)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 2 large potatoes ,peeled and sliced into 1 cm (½ inch) rounds
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced into rounds
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), seeded and cut into strips
150 g (1 cup) green or purple olives
½ preserved lemon, pulp removed and rind cut into strips
A few slices of fresh lemon for decoration
Instructions
- Make the Charmoula Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, parsley, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir in the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it forms a fragrant paste.
- Marinate the Fish: Take about half of the charmoula and gently rub it all over the fish pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Set the fish aside to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
- Layer the Vegetables: In the base of your tajine (or a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid), spread the sliced onions in an even layer. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Arrange the carrot slices over the onions, followed by a layer of the potato slices. This creates a bed for the fish and prevents it from sticking
- Create the Sauce: Add the 150 ml (⅔ cup) of water to the bowl with the remaining charmoula and stir to combine. Pour this liquid evenly over the vegetables in the tajine.
Bring the warmth and charm of Morocco straight to your table with this Authentic Moroccan Fish Tajine with Olive Oil & Assorted Salads. More than just a dish, it’s a sensory experience—a medley of fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and sun-ripened vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection in the traditional tajine.
Each bite tells a story: the tenderness of the fish, the richness of the olive oil, and the lively contrast of crisp Moroccan salads on the side. Together, they create not only a balanced and wholesome meal but also a celebration of Morocco’s vibrant culinary heritage.
So gather your ingredients, light a touch of spice, and let your kitchen be filled with the irresistible aromas of North Africa. One taste, and you’ll understand why this timeless recipe has been cherished for generations—an unforgettable journey of flavor you’ll want to relive again and again.