Recipe

Tsamarella with Lemon and Herbs

Mediterranean Delight: Zesty Tsamarella Bursting with Fresh Flavors

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine with this authentic recipe for Tsamarella. This dish showcases the essence of Greek culinary traditions, combining tangy lemon, aromatic herbs, and succulent fish to create a delightful and refreshing appetizer.

Appetizer› Tsamarella

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine

Preparation time

40 minutes

Cooking time

10-15 minutes

Total time

50-55 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

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

Allergens

Fish, Garlic

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, Nut-free

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lb) mackerel or sardine fillets 500g (1.1 lb) mackerel or sardine fillets
4 lemons, juiced 4 lemons, juiced
4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
Carbohydrates: 5g (Sugars: 1g)
Protein: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1.
In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped oregano, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
2.
Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
3.
Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat.
4.
If grilling, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated fish fillets on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have grill marks. If baking, place the fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
5.
Once cooked, remove the Tsamarella from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
6.
Serve the Tsamarella as an appetizer or part of a mezze platter, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Lemon — Choose ripe and juicy lemons for maximum flavor. Roll them on a countertop before juicing to extract more juice.
Fresh herbs — Opt for fresh herbs as they provide a vibrant and aromatic taste. If unavailable, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.
Mackerel or sardine fillets — Ensure the fish is fresh and of high quality. Remove any bones and scales before marinating.

Tips & Tricks

For a smokier flavor, you can add a small amount of smoked paprika to the marinade.
If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the fish before grilling or baking.
Serve Tsamarella with a side of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing and creamy complement.
If using sardines, consider leaving the skin on for added texture and flavor.
Tsamarella can also be enjoyed cold as a leftover, making it a great option for picnics or packed lunches.

Serving advice

Serve Tsamarella as an appetizer or part of a mezze platter. Accompany it with warm pita bread, olives, feta cheese, and a fresh Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled Tsamarella fillets on a platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh herbs and lemon wedges. The vibrant colors of the dish will create an inviting and appetizing presentation.