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Fish Chraime

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Pixicook editorial team

A traditional North African dish featuring tender fish in a rich tomato and harissa sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro, seared shishito peppers, and lemon juice.

Ingredients for Fish Chraime

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Large Onion, diced

each

Garlic Clove, thinly sliced

each

Bell Pepper, diced

each

Harissa

cups

Cilantro, chopped

0 bunches

Grouper, cut into 2-ounce pieces, skin removed

0 lb

Shishito Peppers, pan-seared

each

Lemon Juice

to taste

Salt

to taste

How to Make Fish Chraime

1. Sauté Onion

Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add a diced large onion and sauté gently until it begins to soften.

2. Add Garlic and Bell Pepper

Thinly slice 6 to 8 garlic cloves and dice one red bell pepper before adding them to the skillet. Allow them to cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they've melded into a fragrant mixture.

3. Stir in Harissa

Stir in ¼ cup of harissa. Once the harissa coats the vegetables evenly, introduce a scant cup of crushed tomatoes and half of your chopped cilantro. Mix well until everything is combined, creating a rich, fragrant sauce.

4. Cook the Fish

Season the sauce with salt to taste and gently add 1½ pounds of grouper, cut into 2-ounce pieces with the skin removed, into the pan. Coat the fish with the sauce, ensuring each piece is well covered. Cover the skillet and let the fish cook gently in the sauce for about 5 minutes or until it turns opaque.

5. Sear Shishito Peppers

Heat another large skillet and pan-sear 12 shishito peppers until they are softened. This quick sear will add a delightful texture and a subtle smokiness to the dish.

6. Serve the Dish

Serve the fish in its rich sauce, topped with the seared shishito peppers. Finish with a splash of lemon juice for a burst of freshness, sprinkle the remaining cilantro, and add a handful of fried shallots for a satisfying crunch.

Pitfalls and tips

Fish Selection

Opt for firm, white-fleshed fish that holds up well during cooking, such as snapper, halibut, or cod. Ensure freshness for the best result.

Layering Flavors

Sauté onions until translucent and starting to caramelize, and add garlic just before the spices to avoid burning.

Fish Cooking

Gently cook the fish in the sauce, covered, for 8-12 minutes, ensuring a moist and tender result.

Spice Toasting

Toasting spices like cumin and paprika in a dry skillet enhances their flavors and adds depth to the dish.

Simmering Time

Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 20-30 minutes before adding fish, adding water or stock if too thick.

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