Chermoula With Red Chile Recipes

CHERMOULA WITH RED CHILE

Steps:

• Toast peppercorns and cumin seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing often, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Let cool. Transfer to a spice mill or mortar and pestle and pulse or grind until coarsely ground. Place spices in a small bowl and mix in cardamom.
• Pound cilantro in mortar and pestle (or pulse in a food processor) until it's bruised and releases some of its moisture. Mix into spices along with parsley, oil, lemon juice, chiles, and garlic; season generously with salt.
• Chermoula can be made 6 hours ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

CHERMOULA (MOROCCAN MARINADE)

Steps:

• Place the garlic, cumin, saffron, olive oil, lemon juice, chili and salt in a mortar and pound with a pestle. Or alternatively put all the above in a food processor and whiz until finely chopped, I have little baby processor which makes this a doddle.
• Add the fresh cilantro and mix in or give an additional quick whiz to combine.
• Spread the mixture over the fish of your choice and leave to marinade for at least 15 minutes.

CHERMOULA

Steps:

• Pound all ingredients together in a large mortar and pestle or buzz in a food processor. You want a rough-textured paste. Note: I use all the coriander stems.
• Chermoula will keep several days in the fridge.

SLOW-ROASTED BLACK COD WITH RED CHERMOULA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300°F. Mix cilantro stems, chile, garlic, oil, tomato paste, paprika, red pepper flakes, honey, allspice, and 1 tablespoon vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside 3 tablespoons chermoula for serving.
• Place fish in a 3-quart shallow baking dish. Cut 1 pint of tomatoes in half and scatter around fish along with remaining whole tomatoes. Spoon remaining chermoula over tomatoes and fish, spreading across the surface with the back of the spoon. Season with salt and pepper and roast until fish is cooked through and tomatoes are soft and some have burst, 20-30 minutes.
• Transfer fish to a platter, breaking into large pieces. Remove and discard skin. Spoon tomatoes and roasting juices over and around fish. Top with reserved chermoula, then cilantro leaves; drizzle with more vinegar, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

CHERMOULA

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in the jar of a blender along with 1/3 cup water. Blend until smooth.

CHERMOULA

Steps:

• Coarsely chop the cilantro and parsley. A scissors is a good tool for this; point it tip down in the measuring cup and cut the leaves. Then place them in a food processor and chop very fine, or chop on a cutting board. You should have 1 cup finely chopped herbs.
• Place the garlic and salt in a mortar and puree. Add a small handful of the chopped herbs, and gently but firmly grind until the herbs begin to dissolve. Add another handful. When all of the herbs have been mashed, work in the spices, 1/3 cup olive oil and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more olive oil or salt if desired. Serve with grilled fish and/or vegetables, or with chicken.

CHICKEN, CHERMOULA AND VEGETABLE SANDWICH

Steps:

• To cook the chicken breast, heat a heavy skillet over high heat. Season a boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add about 2 teaspoons canola oil to the pan and carefully place the chicken breast in the pan, rounded side down. Turn the heat to medium. Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side (depending on the thickness; there should be no hint of pink) and remove from the heat. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Slice across the grain about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick.
• Spread chermoula on the top and bottom slices of bread or focaccia. Top with a layer of chicken slices. Top the chicken slices with grated carrot, then arugula or spinach, and finally the roasted pepper. Cover with the top slice of bread and press down. Cut in half and wrap or serve.