Samke Harra Taraboulsieh - Spicy Fish

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Get ready for a flavor explosion! Samke Harra, meaning "spicy fish," is a vibrant and beloved dish hailing from the Lebanese coast, especially the city of Tripoli. This isn't your average baked fish; it's a culinary adventure where flaky white fish is generously blanketed in a fiery and tangy sauce that will awaken your taste buds.
What is Samke Harra?
Imagine tender pieces of baked or sometimes pan-fried white fish embraced by a rich and zesty sauce. The magic of Samke Harra lies in its bold flavor profile, where creamy tahini, bright lemon juice, pungent garlic, and a medley of warm and spicy spices come together in perfect harmony. Often adorned with crunchy nuts and fresh herbs, this dish is a true celebration of Mediterranean zest.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Lebanese
Calories: 547
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fish:
  • 750 G Fish Filet I used Pangasius
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • ½ Tsp Salt
  • ½ Tsp Cumin
  • ½ Tsp Seven Spices
For the sauce:
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Medium Onion Finely chopped
  • 4 Garlic Cloves Minced with ¼ Tsp Salt
  • 1 Cup Fresh Coriander Chopped
  • ½ Cup Tahini
  • ¾ Cup Lemon Juice
  • ½ Cup Cold water
  • ½ Tsp Salt
  • ¼ Tsp White Pepper
  • ½ Tsp Ground Coriander
  • ¼ Tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 2 Tbsp Pine nuts

Equipment

  • 1 Baking tray
  • 1 Pan Or Casserole

Instructions
 

Prepare the Fish:
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Place the pangasius fillet (or other white fish) in a baking pan.
    750 G Fish Filet
  3. Season the fish generously on both sides with salt, cumin, and seven spices.
    ½ Tsp Salt, ½ Tsp Cumin, ½ Tsp Seven Spices
  4. Drizzle the fish with olive oil and gently massage it into both sides of the fillet.
    2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Meanwhile prepare our sauce
Prepare the Tahini Sauce:
  1. In a separate bowl, combine the tahini, fresh lemon juice, salt, white pepper, ground coriander and cayenne pepper.
    ½ Cup Tahini, ¾ Cup Lemon Juice, ½ Tsp Salt, ¼ Tsp White Pepper, ½ Tsp Ground Coriander, ¼ Tsp Cayenne Pepper
  2. Gradually pour in cold water while continuously mixing with a whisk or fork. Continue adding water and mixing until the tahini sauce reaches a smooth, creamy, and pourable consistency.
    ½ Cup Cold water
  3. Ensure all elements are well combined.
    You may need to adjust the amount of water depending on the thickness of your tahini.
Prepare the Aromatic Base:
  1. In a pot or skillet over medium heat, heat a little olive oil.
    2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
    1 Medium Onion
  3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté until it turns fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
    4 Garlic Cloves
Finish the Sauce:
  1. Add the pine nuts to the pot and stir (if using). Allow them to toast lightly in the warm oil for a minute or two, being careful not to burn them.
    2 Tbsp Pine nuts
  2. Stir in the chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) into the aromatic mixture.
    1 Cup Fresh Coriander
  3. Pour the prepared tahini sauce over the sautéed aromatics in the pot. Stir gently to combine everything and bring the sauce to a simmer. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Combine Fish and Sauce:
  1. Once the fish is baked, carefully remove it from the oven.
  2. Pour the prepared tahini sauce evenly over the baked fish.
  3. Return the baking pan to the oven for another 5 minutes to allow the sauce to warm through and the flavors to meld with the fish.
  4. Remove carefully from the oven and garnish with extra fresh coriander and toasted pine nuts, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 547kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 847mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 351IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Serving suggestions: 

Serve it hot or at room temperature along with a piece of pita bread, white fluffy rice, potatoes or simply alone.

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