Authentic North African Chermoula Sauce Recipe with Fresh Herbs and Spices
Discover the vibrant tastes of North Africa with this easy-to-make chermoula sauce, bursting with fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and zesty preserved lemon.
Chermoula is a hidden gem in the world of sauces. Once you experience its bold flavors, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. This versatile condiment hails from the Maghreb region and boasts countless regional variations, making it a true culinary treasure.
Our recipe draws inspiration from traditional Moroccan flavors, carefully balancing fresh herbs with earthy spices and the unique tang of preserved lemon. The result is a sauce that’s both refreshing and complex, perfect for elevating your grilled meats, fish, or vegetables.
While chermoula is traditionally paired with grilled fish, its versatility knows no bounds. Try it with chicken, beef, or even as a marinade for roasted vegetables. This sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, adding a touch of North African magic to your meals.
Chermoula Recipe: A Taste of Morocco
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup packed parsley leaves
- 4 medium cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup preserved lemon juice, or 1/3 cup regular lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed saffron
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
Directions
- In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine cilantro, parsley, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed for even consistency.
- Add preserved lemon juice, paprika, cumin, cayenne, and saffron to the herb mixture. Pulse briefly to combine, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube. Process until the sauce reaches a smooth, uniform consistency. Season with salt to taste. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
86 | Calories |
9g | Fat |
1g | Carbs |
0g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 12 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 86 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 9g | 12% |
Saturated Fat 1g | 6% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 83mg | 4% |
Total Carbohydrate 1g | 1% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 2% |
Total Sugars 0g | |
Protein 0g | |
Vitamin C 4mg | 19% |
Calcium 11mg | 1% |
Iron 1mg | 3% |
Potassium 52mg | 1% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |