In the realm of North African cuisine, where flavors dance together in a vibrant symphony, there lies a recipe that holds a special place in the culinary hearts of many – the enigmatic charmoula. This versatile condiment, pronounced "shuh-moo-lah," is a delightful blend of fresh herbs, spices, and citrus, creating a marinade, sauce, or dip that elevates any dish it touches. With its vibrant green hue, tantalizing aroma, and burst of flavors, charmoula has captivated taste buds and ignited a culinary adventure for those who seek a taste of North Africa's culinary heritage.
Here are our top 17 tried and tested recipes!
MOROCCAN BEEF KEBABS WITH CURRIED COUSCOUS, RAITA AND CHARMOULA VINAIGRETTE
Steps:
- For the couscous: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.Place the water in an ovenproof casserole. Whisk the curry, salt pepper into the water. Whisk the couscous into the water. Let the couscous stand for 10 minutes to absorb the water.
- Pour half of the olive oil into the couscous. Work the olive oil into the couscous by hand, rubbing the kernels to fluff the couscous break up any clumps, making sure that the couscous is evenly coated with the oil. Place the casserole into the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and pour the rest of the oil into the couscous. By hand or with a spoon, work the oil through the couscous, breaking up any clumps.
- For the raita: Place the yogurt, mint, cumin, salt and cucumbers in a bowl and stir to combine. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Refrigerate until time to use.
- For the vinaigrette: Place the oil, lemon juice, cilantro, parsley, garlic, cumin, paprika and cayenne in a bowl and stir to combine. Season the charmoula with salt and pepper.
- For the kebabs: Combine the beef, onions, powdered milk, cilantro, mint, ginger, cayenne, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix thoroughly to combine. Divide the mixture into 8 balls. Form each ball into a kebab cylinder about 3 inches long. Refrigerate the kebabs until ready to grill.
- In the meantime soak, wooden skewers in water. Heat the grill to high heat. Insert the skewers into the kebabs. Brush the kebabs with olive oil and grill until they are cooked, 34 minutes per side.
- To complete the dish, place a mound of couscous on a serving plate for each person. Place 2 kebabs on each plate. Garnish the plate with the raita and drizzle the charmoula on the kebabs. Serve with warm pita bread.
CLASSIC MOROCCAN CHARMOULA FOR FISH
Moroccan Charmoula sauce is a delightful lemony, garlicky, herby marinade and topping made a little exotic with the addition of cumin and cilantro. It's perfect with baked or grilled fish, but it perks up plain old chicken and can be tossed with couscous or rice, too. Be sure to use a good extra-virgin olive oil!
Provided by EdsGirlAngie
Categories Sauces
Time 10m
Yield 2-3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Whisk ingredients together and marinate white fish fillets (orange roughy works well) for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Bake or grill fish; more sauce can be served with the fish (don't use sauce previously used to marinate raw fish; set some aside in advance).
- Charmoula can also be used to marinate chicken with good results!
HADDOCK IN CHARMOULA SAUCE
Steps:
- Prepare fish and vegetables:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Prick each potato once with a fork, then rub potatoes with 1/2 tablespoon oil. Roast on a baking sheet in middle of oven until just tender, about 25 minutes. Cool to room temperature and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Leave oven on.
- Heat remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté bell peppers, stirring, until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Spread potato slices evenly in an oiled 13- by 9- by 2-inch glass baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Top with peppers, then tomatoes and fish, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper. Sprinkle fish with lemon juice.
- Make charmoula sauce:
- Purée all sauce ingredients except oil in a food processor or blender. With motor running, add oil in a slow stream.
- Bake fish and vegetables:
- Pour sauce evenly over fish and bake in middle of oven until fish is just cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes.
GRILLED SHRIMP WITH CHARMOULA
From William-Sonoma, this Moroccan style dish is spicy and refreshing on a hot summer evening. The marinade is also good on fish.
Provided by dianegrapegrower
Categories Moroccan
Time 1h20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving tail fin intact. Place in large zipper bag.
- Combine all other ingredients in a bowl, whisking to blend. Pour 1/2 the marinade over the shrimp. Seal bag, and marinate, refrigerated, for 1-2 hours.
- Prepare grill or preheat broiler.
- Remove the shrimp from the marinade, discarding marinade, and thread on skewers. If planning to serve on the skewer, estimate 6 shrimp per serving. Using double skewers will make it easier to turn the shrimp. Grill or broil until done, turning once - approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve with reserved marinade as a sauce.
SHRIMP CHARMOULA
Steps:
- Cook shrimp in a large pot of boiling water until just cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain and cool.
- Cook shallots in 2 tablespoons oil in a heavy medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until very tender, about 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, wash leek and pat dry.
- Add leek, garlic, and chile (if using) to shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add paprikas and turmeric and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and juice, honey, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 cup oil.
- Toss shrimp with sauce in a glass or ceramic bowl and marinate, covered and chilled, at least 8 hours. Season with salt and serve in sauce.
- What to drink:
- Cape Mentelle Margaret River Chardonnay '05
WINE-POACHED CHICKEN WITH CHARMOULA
Charmoula is a spicy Moroccan marinade that typically contains paprika, cumin, and garlic. The turmeric turns the couscous the color of the brilliant summer sun. For serving, spread the couscous on the plate in a sunburst.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Chicken Chicken Breast Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- In a high-sided frying pan or braiser, combine the wine, cilantro, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer. Add the chicken and poach, turning once, about 12 to 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove to a cutting board to rest.
- Meanwhile, bring the stock to a boil. Add the couscous, stir, and bring to a second boil. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand 5 minutes. Stir in the turmeric.
- Combine the charmoula ingredients in a small bowl. Cut the chicken breasts in half. Divide the couscous among 4 dinner plates and arrange chicken breasts on top. Serve each with 1/4 cup of the charmoula.
CHARMOULA CHICKEN
Make and share this Charmoula Chicken recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Az B8990
Categories Chicken Thigh & Leg
Time 1h
Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; brown chicken all over. Transfer to plate.
- Drain fat from pan; fry onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper and cinnamon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over onion mixture; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Pour in stock and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits.
- Return chicken and any juices to skillet; reduce heat, cover and simmer, turning chicken once, until juices run clear when chicken is pierced, about 20 minutes.
- Add coriander, parsley and lemon juice.
- Make-ahead Option : Before adding the coriander, parsley, and lemon, let cool for 30 minutes; refrigerate until cold. Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Slow Cooker Charmoula Chicken: Do not remove skin. After browning chicken, transfer to slow cooker. Continue with recipe, omitting flour and scraping stock mixture into slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Skim off any fat. Whisk 1/3 cup (75 mL) water with 1/4 cup (50 mL) all-purpose flour and whisk into slow cooker; cover and cook on high for about 15 minutes or until thickened. Remove skin if desired. Stir in coriander, parsley and lemon.
MOROCCAN FISH CHARMOULA
Charmoula is a Moroccan marinade use for different kinds of meat. This particular one is good for fish & seafood. (Cooking time is marinating time.)
Provided by FDADELKARIM
Categories Moroccan
Time 2h15m
Yield 3/4 cup of marinade
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Blend the herbs together in a bowl with the garlic, onion, & olive oil until pasty. Stir in the vinegar, lemon juice & spices.
- Pour the charmoula over the fish you are using & sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Note: There should be enough charmoula to marinate 2 lbs of fish or seafood.
- Broil, bake, or grill the fish once done marinating.
GRILLED CHARMOULA LAMB CHOPS
Steps:
- Blend all ingredients except lamb chops in a blender until smooth, about 1 minute. Pat chops dry and transfer to a plate, then rub chops all over with 2 tablespoons charmoula and marinate, covered, at room temperature 30 minutes.
- While chops marinate, prepare grill for cooking. If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. Charcoal fire is medium-hot when you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then reduce heat to moderate.
- Grill chops, covered only if using a gas grill, on lightly oiled grill rack, turning over once, until medium-rare, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a plate and let stand, loosely covered, 10 minutes.
CHICKEN CHARMOULA
Fragrant toasted spices, olives and preserved lemons make this Moroccan-style chicken a dish to be savoured. Time doesn't include marinating.
Provided by English_Rose
Categories Chicken Thigh & Leg
Time 1h20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Dry-fry (temper) the cumin and coriander seeds for 30-60 seconds in a small frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the seeds smell toasty and begin to brown, immediately remove from the heat. Then pound them together using a pestle and mortar.
- Put the onion, garlic and chopped herbs in a food processor along with the toasted spices, ginger and paprika. Blitz until the mixture looks reasonably smooth.
- Scrape the mixture into a bowl and add the chopped olives and preserved lemon.
- Stir in a bit of olive oil to slacken the mixture further to a paste. Season to taste with cayenne, salt and pepper.
- Slash the chicken in several places to allow the flavours to penetrate.
- Slap the paste all over the chicken, pressing it into the slashes. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but overnight if you can.
- Remove the chicken from the fridge and leave to stand for about 30 minutes to allow it to come back to room temperature before cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the juices run clear when the meat is pierced to the centre with a fork.
- To make the yoghurt sauce, slacken the yoghurt with the milk, then stir in the remaining ingredients.
SHRIMP IN CHARMOULA
Charmoula is a spicy Moroccan marinade; it typically contains paprika, cumin, and garlic.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes 36
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, combine 2 quarts water, carrots, celery, onion, vinegar, and peppercorns; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 20 minutes. Return to a boil and add shrimp. Cook them through, about 3 minutes. Drain shrimp. Remove shells, leaving tail section intact; devein.
- Whisk together remaining ingredients, except greens. Add shrimp; toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Serve shrimp on the greens with marinade for dipping.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 19 g, Cholesterol 19 g, Fat 1 g, Protein 3 g, Sodium 59 g
MOROCCAN BREAD WITH CHARMOULA AND SPICED LAMB
Provided by Rafih Benjelloun
Categories Bread Herb Lamb Side Bake Spice Bell Pepper Bon Appétit Dairy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes 4 breads (2 servings per bread)
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- Make lamb:
- Stir all ingredients in bowl to blend. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
- Make dough:
- Pour 1 cup warm water into large bowl; sprinkle yeast over. Let stand until mixture is foamy, about 10 minutes. Mix in 1/4 cup oil and salt. Combine both flours in medium bowl. Stir enough flour mixture into yeast mixture 1/2 cup at a time to form slightly sticky dough. Knead on floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Oil large bowl; add dough and turn to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let stand in warm area until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add lamb mixture; sauté until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to plate.
- Make charmoula:
- Combine all ingredients in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Punch dough down. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Cover; let stand 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 450°F. Roll out each dough piece on floured surface to 7-inch square. Top each with 1/4 of charmoula, then 1/4 of lamb, pressing to adhere to dough. Oil 2 large baking sheets. Using large spatula, transfer breads to sheets.
- Bake breads until cooked through and brown on bottom, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.
GRILLED RIB EYE BROCHETTES WITH CHARMOULA
Charmoula or Chermoula (Chrmla) is a marinade used in Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian cooking. It is usually used to flavor fish or seafood, but it can be used on other meats or vegetables. Chrmla is often made of a mixture of herbs, oil, lemon juice, pickled lemons, garlic, cumin, and salt. It may also include onion, fresh coriander, ground chili peppers, black pepper, or saffron. There are many different recipes that use different spices, and the proportions vary widely. In most recipes, the first two ingredients are garlic and coriander). A Moroccan version comprises dried parsley, cumin, paprika and salt and pepper. It is the original seasoning for grilling meat and fish in Moroccan cuisine. This recipe adds easy North African flavor to beef kebabs by using a traditional charmoula marinade and was created by chef Tim McKee of Minneapolis. Use a marbled rib eye for the kebabs; it won't dry out on the grill.
Provided by JackieOhNo
Categories Steak
Time 2h25m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a food processor, combine parsley with cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, and saffron and pulse until herbs are finely chopped. Add lemon juice and olive oil; pulse to incorporate. Add salt.
- Scrape half the charmoula into a bowl and refrigerate. Scrape remaining charmoula into a large bowl with steak cubes; turn to coat. Let stand at room temperature 2 hours.
- Light a grill. Cut onion and red bell peppers into 1-1/2-inch pieces. Thread 3 chunks of rib eye each onto long skewers, adding a piece of onion and pepper between each piece of meat. Grill over high heat about 15 minutes, turning skewers occasionally, until meat and vegetables are lightly charred and meat is cooked medium-rare to medium. Serve with reserved charmoula.
MOROCCAN SALAD WITH CHARMOULA/CHERMOULA DRESSING
Make and share this Moroccan Salad With Charmoula/Chermoula Dressing recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Chris Brolin
Categories Tempeh
Time 20m
Yield 1 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Saute vegetables in olive oil until tender.
- Add tempeh, paprika, and cumin and heat through.
- Add parsley and toss.
- Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
CHARMOULA
Steps:
- Stir cumin in small skillet over medium heat until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Transfer to mortar. Add garlic; pound with pestle until paste forms. Transfer to bowl. Mix in cilantro and next 4 ingredients. Stir in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Do ahead Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover; chill. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving.
CHARMOULA MAYONNAISE
From Bonnie Stern's Essentials of Home Cooking. This Moroccan flavoured mayonnaise is amazing on a grilled chicken sandwich or almost anything else.
Provided by Lille
Categories Sauces
Time 5m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Enjoy as a condiment on chicken, shrimp, fish, as a dip for vegetables.
GRILLED LAMB CHOPS CRUSTED WITH RAS EL HANOUT SEASONING & DRENCHED IN GARLICKY CHARMOULA RECIPE - (4.7/5)
Provided by á-25087
Number Of Ingredients 33
Steps:
- Make the Ras el Hanout. Rub the lamb with olive oil and generously coat with Ras el Hanout and salt. (If not using the ras el hanout, season generously with salt, pepper, and a little cumin.) Preheat your grill, then grill about 2 minutes per side for medium rare. Let the meat rest a few minutes before serving. CHARMOULA: Combine all of the Charmoula ingredients in a food processor or magic bullet and pulse until a pesto-like consistency. Don't overblend - it shouldn't be completely liquified. Serve the lamb chops with a generous helping of Charmoula and some fresh lemon zest. Perfect with grilled asparagus and cauliflower puree on the side. RAS EL HANOUT: Heat a small skillet over moderate heat. When hot, add white peppercorns, aniseed, cumin seed, coriander, cloves, and allspice berries. Stir constantly until fragrant and oils are released (only a few minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool in a separate bowl. Husk the cardamom pods, reserving the fragrant seeds. I love the flavor of cardamom, so I use more than what Paula Wolfert recommends above. Remove seeds and veins from dried chipotles and break apart. Break up nutmeg in a mortar and pestle. Once peppercorns, aniseed, cumin seed, coriander, cloves, and allspice berries have cooled, combine with remaining ingredients in a spice grinder and grind all together until fine. A coffee grinder works well, but then you will not want to grind coffee in it anymore. Even Alton Brown believes in having a separate grinder dedicated to the grinding of spices. Sift through a strainer to remove fibers from galangale, turmeric, ginger and any pieces that just do not grind. Store in a glass jar under refrigeration.
Tips:
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, and mint, are essential for making a flavorful chermoula. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but be sure to use half the amount since they are more concentrated.
- Don't skimp on the spices: Chermoula is a spice-forward sauce, so don't be afraid to add plenty of cumin, paprika, and coriander. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Use a good quality olive oil: The olive oil you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your chermoula. Use a fruity, extra-virgin olive oil for the best results.
- Let the flavors meld: Chermoula is best when it has had some time for the flavors to meld. Make it a day or two ahead of time, or at least let it sit for a few hours before using.
- Use chermoula as a marinade or sauce: Chermoula is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of ways. Use it as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or couscous.
Conclusion:
Chermoula is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. It is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The next time you are looking for a new way to spice up your meals, give chermoula a try.
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