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Close-up overhead photo of Moroccan sardine balls tagine in tomato sauce with herbs in a white dish

Moroccan Sardine Balls Tagine

A classic North African tagine made with fresh sardines shaped into tender spiced balls and simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce. Authentic, flavorful, and rooted in traditional Moroccan home cooking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 1
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g fresh sardines cleaned and deboned
  • 2 big tomatoes grated
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 handful fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 2 big garlic cloves crushed
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small lemon sliced
  • 1 pinch chili flakes optional
  • 0.5 cup water

Equipment

  • 1 Tagine or heavy pot
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Prepare the sardine mixture. Place the cleaned sardines in a mixing bowl. Add parsley, cilantro, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper and mix until everything is well combined. Shape the mixture into small balls and set aside.
  2. Prepare the base sauce. Heat olive oil in a tagine or heavy pot. Add the chopped onion and cook for a few minutes until soft. Add the grated tomatoes and tomato paste and stir to bring the sauce together.
  3. Add peppers and seasonings. Add the sliced green and red peppers to the tagine. Sprinkle turmeric and chili flakes if using. Pour in the water and let the mixture simmer lightly.
  4. Add the sardine balls. Carefully place each sardine ball into the simmering sauce. Make sure they sit comfortably without breaking apart.
  5. Add lemon slices. Place the lemon slices around the tagine so they release aroma and flavor during cooking.
  6. Simmer slowly. Cover the tagine and let the mixture cook gently for about 30 to 35 minutes until the sauce thickens and the sardine balls are cooked through.
  7. Serve warm. Once the tagine is ready, let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with warm Moroccan bread for dipping into the rich, flavorful sauce.

Notes

This traditional Moroccan Sardine Balls Tagine delivers a tender texture and deep flavor thanks to slow cooking. Fresh herbs and grated tomatoes keep the sauce bright and aromatic.