Cookbook:Tajine bil Samak (Libyan Fish Tajine)

Tajine bil samak is a delicious and fragrant Libyan fish dish cooked in a tajine, a traditional clay pot with a conical lid. This flavorful dish features tender fish fillets cooked in a tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices and herbs. It is a popular dish in Libyan cuisine and is often served with rice or bread.

Ingredients

 * 2 tablespoons olive oil
 * 1 onion, finely chopped
 * 2 cloves of garlic, minced
 * 4–6 fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia)
 * 2 tomatoes, diced
 * 1 tablespoon tomato paste
 * 1 teaspoon ground cumin
 * 1 teaspoon ground paprika
 * ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference)
 * ½ teaspoon ground coriander
 * ½ teaspoon ground caraway seeds
 * Salt to taste
 * Pepper, to taste
 * 1 cup water
 * Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

 * Tajine or deep, wide skillet with a lid
 * Wooden spoon or spatula
 * Knife

Procedure

 * 1) Heat the olive oil in the tajine over medium heat.
 * 2) Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
 * 3) Place the fish fillets in the tajine, and cook for a few minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove the fish fillets from the tajine or skillet and set them aside.
 * 4) In the same tajine or skillet, add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
 * 5) Add the ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix the spices into the tomato mixture. Pour in the water and stir until the sauce is well combined.
 * 6) Return the fish fillets to the tajine, nestling them into the sauce.
 * 7) Cover the tajine with a lid and let the fish simmer in the sauce for about 10–15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
 * 8) Remove the tajine from the heat.
 * 9) Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for garnish.
 * 10) Serve the hot, accompanied by rice or bread.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
 * You can add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots to the tajine for added flavor and nutrition.
 * Experiment with different types of fish fillets based on your preference and availability.
 * If using a tajine, it is recommended to place a heat diffuser between the tajine and the heat source to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the clay from cracking.
 * Check the fish for doneness by gently flaking it with a fork. It should be opaque and easily separated into flakes.
 * Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce before serving for a tangy flavor.
 * For a heartier version, add a can of chickpeas or cooked white beans to the tajine during the simmering process.