Libyan Spiced Sardines

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the Indian Matthi dish to Libyan cuisine, we replace the traditional deep-frying method with pan-frying to achieve a lighter and healthier version. Additionally, we incorporate harissa, a popular North African spice paste, to infuse the sardines with a distinct Libyan flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Matthi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted 500g (1.1 lb) fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the harissa paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt.
2. 2.
   Coat the sardines evenly with the harissa marinade and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
4. 4.
   Place the marinated sardines in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. 5.
   Remove the sardines from the pan and garnish with fresh cilantro.
6. 6.
   Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of Libya!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sardines — Ensure that the sardines are fresh and properly cleaned before marinating them. If fresh sardines are not available, you can use canned sardines packed in water as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the harissa marinade.
• Serve the spiced sardines with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of harissa paste in the marinade.
• This dish pairs well with a side of couscous or a fresh salad.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade to customize the flavors to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Libyan Spiced Sardines as a main course alongside a side of couscous or a fresh salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sardines on a platter, garnish with sprigs of fresh cilantro, and drizzle with a little extra harissa marinade for an eye-catching presentation. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over the sardines according to their taste.