Chermoula facts for kids
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| Course | Main |
|---|---|
| Region or state | Maghreb |
| Main ingredients | Cumin |
Chermoula (also called charmoula) is a super tasty sauce or marinade. It's a big part of cooking in North African countries like Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia.
People traditionally use chermoula to add amazing flavor to fish and seafood. But guess what? It's also delicious with other meats or vegetables! It's a bit like a special sauce called chimichurri from Latin America.
What's in Chermoula?
So, what makes chermoula so yummy? The most common ingredients are garlic, cumin, coriander, oil, lemon juice, and salt.
But here's a cool fact: the ingredients can change depending on where it's made! Some versions might also have preserved lemons, onion, ground chili peppers, black pepper, saffron, or other fresh herbs. It's like a secret mix of spices and fresh ingredients!
Different Kinds of Chermoula
Chermoula recipes can be quite different from one region to another. It's like how different families have their own secret recipes!
In a city called Sfax in Tunisia, chermoula is often served with special cured salted fish. This usually happens during a holiday called Eid al-Fitr. This unique Sfax version is made from a dried dark raisin purée. It's mixed with onions cooked in olive oil and spices like cloves, cumin, chili, black pepper, and cinnamon. Sounds interesting, right?
A Moroccan version of chermoula often includes dried parsley, cumin, paprika, and salt and pepper. In Libya, chermoula is sometimes served as a side dish, especially in the summer. This Libyan version might have olives, tuna, and a variety of green herbs.
