Most people who are familiar with shakshuka only think of it as the popular North African breakfast–eggs poached in a sauce of fresh tomatoes, peppers and a number of Middle Eastern spices. But to the people of Port Said and Alexandria, Egypt’s Mediterranean cities, shakshuka is more of a cooking method than in it is a specific dish. There, they also have saucy seafood and fish shakshuka dinners.
The spices I use in this fish fillet recipe are slightly different from what’s in the egg dish; still, the fish fillets are cooked similarly in the spicy fresh tomato sauce, shakshuka-style. And mainly because of its dense, flaky texture, I decided to use cod here. This light, yet hearty fish fillet dinner is best served in bowls, with lots of the shakshuka sauce and Lebanese rice or your favorite crusty bread, challah or pita.
Here is the step-by-step for today’s fish fillet recipe:
Scroll down for the ingredient list and print-friendly recipe If you plan to serve this fish fillet with rice, make the Lebanese rice according to this recipe (this step is optional, you can also serve this fish fillet with bread) In a small bowl, combine the coriander, sumac, cumin, dill and turmeric to make the spice mix. Set aside until needed. In a large, deep skillet (with a cover like this one) heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Saute the onions for 2 minutes then add the garlic and jalapeno. Cook on medium-high, stirring regularly, until fragrant and golden in color, about 2 more minutes. Now add the tomatoes and only 1/2 of the spice mix (you will use the rest of the spice mix later). Add the tomato paste, lime juice, water, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring to a high simmer, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Cover and cook the tomato mixture for 10 more minutes; stir occasionally. Meanwhile, season the fish fillets lightly with salt and pepper and coat on both sides with the remaining 1/2 of the spice mix. Gently add the fish fillets to the tomato mixture, nestling the fish pieces nicely in it. Cook on medium-high briefly, then reduce the heat to medium.
Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through (it should be flaky). Remove from heat and top with the fresh parsley and mint leaves. Serve immediately in bowls with Lebanese rice or your favorite crusty bread.
Visit Our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients used in this recipe. Similar Recipes to Try: 4.9 from 58 reviews Baked Shrimp Stew 15-Minute Baked Sole Fillet One-Pan Mediterranean Baked Halibut with Vegetables
