\nExperience the delightful flavors of sardine meatballs enhanced with a spice marinade featuring cumin, turmeric, and a hint of lemon. This dish gently simmers alongside tender potatoes in a light yet richly flavored tomato sauce. It\u2019s a straightforward yet flavor-packed meal that\u2019s perfect for satisfying the whole family.<\/p>\n
Serves 4:<\/p>\n
– Fresh sardines, scaled and gutted (ask your fishmonger to prepare them) \u2013 1 kg
\n– Olive oil \u2013 4 tablespoons
\n– Chopped parsley \u2013 2 tablespoons
\n– Chopped coriander \u2013 1 tablespoon
\n– Paprika \u2013 1 teaspoon
\n– Turmeric \u2013 1 teaspoon
\n– Cumin \u2013 1 teaspoon
\n– Garlic \u2013 2 cloves
\n– Lemon juice \u2013 1 lemon
\n– Cooked rice \u2013 3 tablespoons
\n– Canned whole tomatoes \u2013 1 can
\n– Chopped onion \u2013 1 tablespoon
\n– Potatoes \u2013 3 units
\n– Preserved lemon \u2013 1\/2 unit
\n– Salt and pepper to taste<\/p>\n
1. **Marinade Preparation:**
\n In a large bowl, combine olive oil with parsley, coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, crushed garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend the sardines and then mix in the cooked rice and half of the marinade. Stir well and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Peel the potatoes and slice them into half-rounds.<\/p>\n
2. **Tomato Sauce Preparation:**
\n In a saucepan, saut\u00e9 1 tablespoon of chopped onion. Add the whole tomatoes and a sprinkle of ground cumin and coriander. Season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.<\/p>\n
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil, add the tomato sauce, then place the sardine balls, sliced potatoes, and quarters of preserved lemon into the mix. Combine the remaining marinade with a bit of hot water and pour over the sardines and potatoes. Cover and cook on very low heat for 20 minutes. Serve the dish in a small tajine pot and enjoy the delicious flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n