Recipe

Fenek Moqli with a Twist

Atlantic Island-Inspired Fenek Moqli: A Seafood Twist on a Maltese Classic

4.7 out of 5

This recipe puts a unique spin on the traditional Maltese dish, Fenek Moqli, by infusing it with flavors and ingredients inspired by the cuisines of the Islands of the North Atlantic (IONA). Combining the essence of Maltese culinary heritage with the freshness of Atlantic seafood, this dish offers a delightful fusion of flavors.

Meat Dish› Game Dish› Rabbit Dish› Fenek moqli

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Maltese cuisine

European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Cuisines of the [[Islands of the North Atlantic]] (IONA)

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

20 minutes

Total time

35 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Pescatarian, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Low-carb

Allergens

Fish, Shellfish

Not suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan, Paleo, Nut-free, Soy-free

Ingredients

In this Atlantic Island-inspired adaptation, the traditional rabbit meat is substituted with fresh fish fillets or prawns, giving the dish a delightful seafood twist. The flavors are enhanced with IONA spices, adding a unique touch to the dish's taste profile. We alse have the original recipe for Fenek moqli, so you can check it out.

500g (1.1 lb) fresh fish fillets or prawns 500g (1.1 lb) fresh fish fillets or prawns
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon thyme
1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
Protein: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Salt: 1g

Preparation

1.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
3.
Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for a few minutes until softened.
4.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, cumin, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5.
Gently place the fish fillets or prawns into the sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through or the prawns turn pink.
6.
Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley.
7.
Serve the Atlantic Island-Inspired Fenek Moqli hot with crusty bread or rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Fish fillets or prawns — Ensure the fish fillets are fresh and free from any unpleasant odor. If using prawns, make sure they are deveined and cleaned properly before cooking.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some lemon juice over the dish before serving.
Experiment with different types of fish, such as cod, haddock, or sea bass, to find your favorite combination.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Atlantic Island-Inspired Fenek Moqli with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Present the dish in a shallow bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the sauce and seafood to shine through. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for an elegant touch.