Seafood tagine brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen, combining a variety of fresh ingredients into a delightful dish. This vibrant recipe offers a perfect blend of seafood, spices, and vegetables, creating a satisfying and healthy meal that’s both easy to prepare and impressively flavorful. Its mix of vegetable oil, onion, red pepper, garlic, harissa, chopped tomatoes, chickpeas, frozen seafood, couscous, coriander, toasted almonds, and lemon captures the essence of Moroccan cooking.
The cooking process allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, infusing the seafood with rich flavors and creating a comforting, warm dish. This tagine is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports taste buds to another region of the world. Friends and family will appreciate the aromatic spices and hearty components, making it a great gathering option.
What Is Seafood Tagine?
Seafood tagine is a North African dish known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. It originates from Morocco and is traditionally cooked in a special tagine pot. This pot has a conical lid that helps retain moisture and concentrate flavors.
The main ingredients typically include fresh seafood, such as fish, shrimp, and mussels, combined with various vegetables. Common vegetables used are:
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
Spices play a crucial role in seafood tagine. They often include:
These spices contribute to the dish’s distinctive taste and vibrant colors. The cooking process simmers the seafood and vegetables, allowing the flavors to meld together.
This tagine is often served with couscous or bread, which complements the dish perfectly. Diners enjoy scooping up the fish and sauce with their bread or spooning it over couscous for a hearty meal.
This dish is flavorful and visually appealing, making it a popular choice for gatherings and special occasions. Its versatility allows for different seafood types and additional ingredients, catering to individual preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 deseeded and chopped red pepper
- 1 finely chopped garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons of harissa
- 350g bag of frozen seafood selection
- 2 x 400g cans of chopped tomatoes
- 1 x 400g can of chickpeas
- 300g of couscous
- A small pack of roughly chopped coriander leaves
- 25g toasted flaked almonds
- Zest and juice of ½ lemon (reserving the other half for serving)
How to Make Seafood Tagine?
- Heat oil in a large pan. Add and cook chopped onion and red pepper for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, harissa, and chopped tomatoes. Cook for around 10 minutes until the mixture thickens nicely.
- Add frozen seafood to the pan. Cook everything together for 10 more minutes until the seafood is fully cooked.
- Place couscous in a serving bowl, pour boiling water over it until it’s covered, and cover the bowl with cling film.
- After a few minutes, remove the film and fluff the couscous with a fork. Mix in most of the chopped coriander, almonds, lemon zest, juice, and season to taste.
- Dish out the tagine alongside the couscous. Garnish with lemon wedges for squeezing over the meal. Finish with a sprinkle of any remaining coriander for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 564 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 75g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sugar | 13g |
Serving Seafood Tagine
Accompaniments
Seafood tagine pairs wonderfully with several accompaniments. A popular choice is couscous, which soaks up the flavorful sauce. Preparing it with a little olive oil and herbs elevates its taste.
Bread also complements the dish. Warm, crusty bread, like baguette or pita, provides a delightful option for scooping up the tagine.
For a fresh touch, consider a citrus salad. Use ingredients like orange segments, mint, and a dash of olive oil. This brightens flavors and adds a refreshing contrast.
Olives and pickled vegetables can offer a tangy bite, enhancing the overall meal. These simple sides harmonize beautifully, making each bite of tagine more enjoyable.
Presentation
For an impressive presentation, use a traditional tagine pot. Serve directly from it to showcase the dish’s authenticity. The vibrant colors of the seafood and vegetables create an enticing visual.
Arrange the seafood artfully, allowing the shrimp or fish to be visible. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, to add a pop of green.
Pair the tagine with a well-set table. Colorful dishes and decorative linens enhance the experience. Using mismatched plates or traditional ceramics can evoke a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Consider serving drinks, such as mint tea or a light white wine, to complement the meal. Thoughtful presentation and well-chosen sides truly elevate the dining experience for seafood tagine.
Storing and Reheating
Storage plays a crucial role in preserving the delicious flavors of seafood tagine. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. It keeps the dish fresh for later enjoyment.
Refrigeration
- Store in the fridge within two hours of cooking.
- Consume within three to four days for the best taste.
Freezing
- If not eaten within a few days, freeze the tagine for longer storage.
- Portion it into smaller containers to make reheating easier.
- It can last up to three months in the freezer.
When reheating, ensure all seafood is heated thoroughly.
Reheating methods:
- Stovetop:
- Place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking.
- Microwave:
- Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to retain moisture.
- Heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
Conclusion
Seafood tagine offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This dish showcases the best of fresh seafood combined with aromatic spices.
This dish serves well with couscous or crusty bread, making it a hearty option for any meal.
Serving it in a traditional tagine pot adds an aesthetic appeal. It also retains moisture, enhancing the flavors.
Perfect for gatherings, seafood tagine brings people together. Its colorful presentation can impress guests and create a warm atmosphere.
Enjoying seafood tagine allows diners to experience a taste of Mediterranean culture. Making it can be a fun and rewarding adventure in the kitchen.
Just so you know, you can pair this tagine with zaatar bread.
Interested? Get that recipe now (by clicking the image below):
