Chermoula Spice Recipes

BLENDER CHERMOULA SAUCE

Steps:

• Toast coriander and cumin seeds in a dry small skillet, tossing occasionally, until very fragrant, about 2 minutes. Let cool, then lightly crush with a heavy skillet.
• Purée toasted seeds, garlic, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes in a blender until spices are ground and mixture is very smooth.
• Add cilantro, parsley, and mint; process until well combined but slightly textured.
• Do Ahead
• Sauce can be made 3 days ahead; chill in an airtight container.

CHERMOULA

Steps:

• Coarsely chop the cilantro and parsley. A scissors is a good tool for this; point it tip down in the measuring cup and cut the leaves. Then place them in a food processor and chop very fine, or chop on a cutting board. You should have 1 cup finely chopped herbs.
• Place the garlic and salt in a mortar and puree. Add a small handful of the chopped herbs, and gently but firmly grind until the herbs begin to dissolve. Add another handful. When all of the herbs have been mashed, work in the spices, 1/3 cup olive oil and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more olive oil or salt if desired. Serve with grilled fish and/or vegetables, or with chicken.

SPINACH AND CHERMOULA PIE

Steps:

• Prepare the chermoula paste: Add the garlic, cilantro, chile, cumin, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, a good grind of pepper and 3 tablespoons oil to a food processor. Pulse into a coarse paste and set aside.
• Prepare the pie: Add 3 tablespoons oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high. Once hot, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and well browned, about 12 minutes. Add half the chermoula paste (reserve the rest), the spinach, 1 teaspoon salt and a good grind of pepper, and cook for 2 minutes more, stirring to combine. Remove from the heat, then add the dill and lemon zest. Set aside to cool, about 20 minutes.
• Line a 9-inch/24-centimeter pie or tart pan (tin) with a removable base with a piece of parchment paper large enough to cover the base and a little bit over the sides. (The excess will help you lift the tart when it's baked.) On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the pastry with a floured rolling pin to a 12-inch/30-centimeter square. Lay the puff pastry on the parchment, pressing in the pastry to fit the base and sides of the pan and cutting away any excess so it overhangs by about 3/4 inch/2 centimeters.
• Poke the base all over with a fork (about 10 times), then spread the cooled spinach mixture over the base evenly. Sprinkle the feta on top, then fold and scrunch the sides over the filling to create a rim. (Don't worry if it's not perfect.) Refrigerate the pie for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight, covered.
• Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit/200 degrees Celsius.
• Trim and discard the ends of the potato and use a mandolin or very sharp knife to cut the potato into paper-thin slices. Toss together in a bowl with 1 tablespoon oil, plus 1/2 teaspoon salt and a good grind of pepper. Fan out the slices on top of the spinach and feta in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly, to cover the filling but not the pastry rim.
• Place the chilled pie on a baking sheet and bake until cooked through and nicely colored, about 50 minutes. Set aside to cool, about 15 minutes, before gently transferring to a wooden board or serving plate.
• When ready to serve, stir the lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon oil into the reserved chermoula. Spoon half of the chermoula all over the pie and serve the remaining in a bowl alongside. Serve warm, or at room temperature.