Moroccan Chermoula Marinade Recipe
Chermoula can come in different hues and tones, depending on its intended use and also depending on family preferences. We can categorize chermoula as follows:There are 3 Types of Moroccan Chermoula MixesGREEN - Without paprika and red elements such as Harissa.RED - Due to sweet red pepper, smoked paprika (powder or paste and sometimes harissa.YELLOW - Due to saffron threads, turmeric and/or a food colouring powder used in Morocco.The chermoula base usually combines parsley & coriander, cumin, salt & sweet paprika as well as an acidic ingredient such as lemon & vinegar. In its extended version, it will include preserved lemons as well as harissa & maybe ginger or saffron. The herbs commonly used are fresh & the ratio of coriander to parsley varies depending on the preference and regions. Some Moroccans may go for only coriander while others will prefer parsley, we love using both. As for the spices, sweet paprika, cumin, garlic, and sometimes turmeric represent the ingredients of choice. Lemon juice and/or vinegar and olive oil are the main liquids in this blend.
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Pestle and Mortar
Ingredients
- 1 Large Batch Coriander (only leaves and small stems) washed & roughly chopped
- 1 Large Batch Parsley (only leaves and small stems) washed & roughly chopped
- 1 Whole Head Garlic Cloves peeled & roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1-2 tbsp Cumin Powder
- 1-2 tbsp Sea Salt or Kosher Salt to taste
- 1 Fresh Lemon Juice you can use 2 lemon Juices if your not using Moroccan vinegar
- 7 tbsp Olive Oil
Optional Ingredients
- 1-2 tbsp Harissa Paste to taste
- 1-2 tbsp Sweet Red Pepper Paste you can use 1 roasted and peeled red pepper if you don't have the paste
- 1-2 tsp Cayenne Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger chopped
- 1/2 tsp Saffron Threads broken
- 1 Preserved Lemon chopped
Instructions
- This recipe is a concentrated bulk prep suitable for home freezing or storing in the fridge, which is why it's easier and quicker to use a food processor. And because it is concentrated it makes more when you liquid it down. 1 generous tablespoon = 1 meal prep for a family of 5-6
- If you are only planning to make & use a single batch it is much prefered to use a Mortar and Pestle or just chop the ingredients very small by hand before mixing in with the spices, lemon & olive oil.
Notes
Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate obtained from online calculators. Optional ingredients may not be included in the nutritional information.