CHERMOULA — MILD MOROCCAN MARINADE AND DRESSING FOR FISH
Chermoula brings some of Morocco’s distinctive flavors to your kitchen without overwhelming the palate. This versatile sauce is perfect as a marinade or dressing for fish, imparting bright, aromatic, and subtly spicy notes that enhance your dishes beautifully.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 min
🍽️ Yields: About 1 cup (250 ml)
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch fresh parsley (or coriander/cilantro leaves)
- Juice and zest of ½ lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- ¼ small onion, chopped finely
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 level teaspoon harissa paste (or ¼ teaspoon chili flakes)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, crushed garlic, chopped onion, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, harissa (or chili flakes), turmeric, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth into a paste.
- Add chopped parsley and pulse briefly, so the parsley remains visible and fresh in texture.
- Transfer to a jar or container and refrigerate. Use within 3 days for best flavor.
💡 Tips
- Substitute coriander leaves if you prefer a slightly different herbal note.
- Adjust chili and harissa to control heat level.
- Use as a marinade for fish, seafood, or chicken — allow at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor.
🎉 Perfect For
- Marinating grilled or baked fish
- Drizzling as a fresh herb dressing
- Adding Moroccan flair to everyday meals
📝 Final Thoughts
Chermoula is a wonderfully fragrant, mild Moroccan sauce that elevates simple dishes with bright, balanced spices and herbs. It’s an easy way to bring exotic tastes home without overpowering your ingredients.