I have heard many recommendations about Moroccan cuisine. It is a blend of African, Mediterranean, and Arab influences. Additionally, it’s famous for its bold spices, rich stews, and colorful tagines. Moreover, all of these elements were present in the spicy Moroccan fish I had in Miami.
Miami is a city famous for its vibrant culture and rich diversity. From the colorful streets of Little Havana to the trendy bars of South Beach, there is always something exciting happening in this bustling metropolis. We decided to explore something new. As a result, my parents and I journeyed to a popular Middle Eastern restaurant located in Miami. We decided to savor the well-known spicy Moroccan fish that the restaurant had become famous for.
The ambiance of the restaurant was filled with merriment and joy due to a birthday celebration as we settled down in our seats. The room was filled with the sounds of laughter and music, and the smell of delicious food wafted through the air. Our waitress, a friendly woman with a warm smile, came over to take our order. We asked for the spicy Moroccan fish, and she smiled and told us that it was one of their most popular dishes.
The old Middle Eastern woman, dressed in traditional clothing and with a kind, weathered face, came out of the kitchen with a large platter of spicy Moroccan fish. Notably, covered in a mouth-watering thick sauce, it was instantly obvious that this was going to be an enjoyable meal.
The old woman presented the platter of fish to us. She was speaking of its ingredients and the cooking process with such enthusiasm that even though her English wasn’t perfect we understood. Moreover, the flavors of the fish we had sampled were simply divine; there was nothing like it. The mix of spices, which she had chosen with great care and affection, simply melted in our mouths – a testament to her clear elation for her craft.
We couldn’t help but notice, as the evening progressed, that the old woman was constantly looking in our direction. It almost seemed like she was expecting something from us. Eventually, she came up to our table and asked if we were enjoying the fish; when we answered affirmatively, her face lit up and she began to chat with us. Moreover, for more than fifty years, the old woman had been cooking with recipes passed down from her grandmother in Morocco. Additionally, generations of her family derived the recipe long before her.
I asked the old woman if she would be willing to divulge the recipe with me, joining hands to keep it a secret. Initially, she was hesitant, but something in my being made her consider my request – so I decided to take advantage of this opportunity.
I proudly expressed my love of cooking and swore an oath of secrecy. I promised to give the recipe the respect it deserved not to change any of the ingredients and to stick to the instructions.
Her eyes reflected her pride as she wrote down the ingredients and instructions for the recipe. Cooking was not only a job to her but a devotion, something she held strongly in her heart.
By the evening’s close, we were feeling full and happy. Upon its completion, the birthday celebration allowed us to make many happy memories. The restaurant chillingly began to clear out as the party concluded. As we parted ways after bidding her farewell and expressing gratitude for the delightful meal, she gave me a small smile and wink, conveying that she shared something special between us through the food.
The experience of that evening taught me a valuable lesson about the power of food to bring people together. In a city as diverse as Miami, food is more than just sustenance. Eating and celebrating culture creates lasting memories. Furthermore, as I experiment more in the kitchen, I remember the time when I received the old Middle Eastern woman’s family recipe in a restaurant in Miami. That evening was special as it enabled me to connect with someone while enjoying delicious food.
So the next time you find yourself in a new city or trying a new cuisine, take a moment to savor the experience. Taste the flavors, explore the culture, and connect with the people around you. You never know what connections and memories you might create over a shared meal.
So here is the recipe for the spicy Moroccan fish.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil – extra virgin
- 4 minced garlic cloves and 4 sliced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 diced medium tomatoes
- 1 cored and sliced red pepper
- 1 15-oz drained and rinsed chickpeas from a can
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 1 cup fresh cilantro (approx.)
- Black pepper and kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon of divided Ras El Hanout
- 1 1/2 lb of cod fillet pieces (approx. 1/2 inch thick)
- 3/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 lemon, squeezed to juice
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
How to make spicy Moroccan fish?
- Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pan with a cover over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic and cook briefly, tossing often, until it has a fragrant aroma.
- Cook the tomato paste, diced tomato, and bell peppers for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat. Be sure to toss them frequently.
- Include water, cilantro, sliced garlic, kosher salt, pepper, and Ras El Hanout spice mixture in the chickpeas. Mix them all together.
- Bring the heat up to a boiling point, then reduce and simmer for about 20 minutes with the lid partially covered. Make sure to check from time to time and add water if needed.
- In a small bowl, mix the Ras El Hanout, cumin, and paprika.
- To season the fish, sprinkle kosher salt and pepper on both sides and then coat both sides with the spice mixture and extra virgin olive oil.
- After seasoning the fish, place it in the pan and tuck the pieces into the mixture of the saucy chickpea and tomato. Spoon some sauce over the fish.
- Add the lemon juice and sliced lemon. Continue cooking the fish over medium-low heat for another 10 to 15 minutes. The fish should be fully cooked and flaky when it’s ready.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with your favorite crusty grain, bread, or rice.
That’s it! The spicy Moroccan fish is for sure my favorite fish dish and I have a lot of fun making it. It fills the whole house with the aroma which makes me want to savor it right away. Therefore, I encourage you to try it in your own home, and I’m sure you will feel the same. So, happy cooking!
