Hello, dear friends! It’s Liliane, here with a special recipe that’s as vibrant as it is delicious: Moroccan Baked Fish with Roasted Vegetables. This dish is a wonderful blend of tender fish, hearty vegetables, and aromatic spices that transport you to the warm streets of Morocco. Whether you’re new to Moroccan flavors or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is sure to captivate your taste buds. Ready to bring a bit of exotic flair to your dinner table? Let’s get started!
Step 1 : Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into cooking, let’s collect everything we need. This step ensures a smooth cooking process and makes it easier to follow along.
Ingredients:
- For the Fish:
- 2 white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or sea bass)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon Moroccan spice blend (Ras el Hanout or homemade mix)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Vegetables:
- 2 carrots, cut into sticks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Moroccan Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro, with extra for garnish.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step 2: Marinate the Fish
First, let’s infuse the fish with flavor. This step allows the fish to soak up the spices and lemon, giving it a subtle tang and rich aroma.
- Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle the Moroccan spice blend over the fish and season with salt and pepper.
- Gently massage the spices into the fish and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step guarantees that every bite is full of flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the fish is marinating, let’s move on to the vegetables. Roasting them alongside the fish not only saves time but also creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the carrots, zucchini, red bell pepper, and onion.
- Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, then sprinkle with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
Step 4: Make the Moroccan Sauce
Now, let’s prepare the sauce that will elevate this dish with its warm, spiced undertones.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the tomato sauce and minced garlic.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro, coriander, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for around 5 minutes, stirring from time to time. The rich, fragrant aroma will start to fill your kitchen—it’s pure magic!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
With everything prepped, it’s time to put it all together.
- On a large baking sheet, spread the seasoned vegetables in an even layer.
- Arrange the marinated fish fillets over the vegetables.
- Pour the Moroccan sauce over the fish and vegetables, letting it drizzle down the sides.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish easily flakes with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked to perfection, remove the tray from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. The colors and aroma of the dish are truly captivating!
- Transfer the fish and vegetables to serving plates.
- Garnish with extra chopped cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve your Moroccan Baked Fish with Roasted Vegetables with warm couscous or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
There you have it! A delightful, nutritious, and flavor-packed dish that brings a touch of Morocco to your kitchen. Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure! I hope you enjoy making and sharing this meal as much as I do. For more global recipes that will excite your family’s taste buds, be sure to check out my blog for more inspiration.
Happy cooking, and don’t forget to tell me how your dish turned out—I always love hearing from you!