Quick Easy Moroccan Chermoula Marinade Recipes

MOROCCAN CHERMOULA MARINADE

Steps:

• The chermoula is ready to be used for marinating meats and veggies, dressing potatoes before baking, or mixing into rice, quinoa, or couscous. Enjoy.

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-MARINATED MACKEREL

Steps:

• Pound the ingredients for the filling together using a pestle and mortar. Make 3 diagonal incisions along both sides of each mackerel, then push in the filling. Chill for up to 2 hrs before cooking.
• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. For the chermoula, place the garlic, spices, lemon juice, coriander and a pinch of sea salt into a blender. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, blending.
• Brush the mackerel with a little olive oil on both sides, then place on a hot griddle or frying pan and sear for 2 mins on each side. Carefully transfer to an oven tray and bake for about 10 mins, or until the mackerel is cooked through. Drizzle with some of the chermoula and serve with the Carrot, olive & lemon couscous (recipe, below), lemon wedges and the remaining chermoula on the side.

TOMATO CHERMOULA SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, cumin, and paprika and sauté until garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, cilantro, and parsley. Cook until tomatoes are juicy, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm over medium heat, stirring frequently.)

BLENDER CHERMOULA SAUCE

Steps:

• Toast coriander and cumin seeds in a dry small skillet, tossing occasionally, until very fragrant, about 2 minutes. Let cool, then lightly crush with a heavy skillet.
• Purée toasted seeds, garlic, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes in a blender until spices are ground and mixture is very smooth.
• Add cilantro, parsley, and mint; process until well combined but slightly textured.
• Do Ahead
• Sauce can be made 3 days ahead; chill in an airtight container.

MOROCCAN CHERMOULA MARINADE

Steps:

• Heat a frying pan and dry-fry the cumin and coriander seeds with the cinnamon until aromatic. Grind with a pestle and mortar, or in a spice grinder. Then either put all the ingredients in a blender and whiz them up, or pummel the whole lot in the pestle and mortar, adding one ingredient at a time in the above order. Keeps well, refrigerated for a week.

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.