Food

Mediterranean Fish Tagine with Celery, Lemon, and Olives

Tagine is a dish that beautifully marries Oriental and Mediterranean flavors, traditionally made with chicken, beef, or just vegetables. However, it also pairs splendidly with white fish, especially when enhanced by the delicate flavors of preserved lemon.

Why You’ll Want to Try This Dish Again and Again

This dish isn't just incredibly tasty and satisfying; it also boasts excellent nutritional values. Celery is rich in potassium and essential fibers. Olives and fish provide healthy fats and crucial proteins. Its rich nutrient profile and fulfilling nature make it perfect for a hearty lunch or a comforting dinner, easily fitting into your daily meal plan.

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Depending on the side dish you may choose, you can add more fibers and carbohydrates. For this recipe, we use bulgur, which contains more fiber than traditional couscous.

Do I need a special tagine pot to cook this dish?

The tagine pot originates from North Africa, particularly Morocco. Its history is as rich as the dishes it's used to cook, evolving from simple clay pots to today's diverse range of materials and designs. The pot's distinctive conical shape isn't just for aesthetic appeal—it's specifically crafted to promote the return of all condensation to the bottom of the pot.

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This method of cooking is known as steam circulation, which ensures that food cooks slowly, gently, and evenly, with all the flavors and moisture locked in. This cooking technique is particularly effective for blending complex spices and tenderizing meat.

Modern Adaptations

Traditional tagines are designed for slow cooking on low heat, which makes them ideal for a gas stove where the heat can be controlled easily. However, modern adaptations have made it possible to use tagines on induction stoves as well. These newer models might feature a flat base suitable for modern kitchens while maintaining the classic conical lid.

The one we used for this recipe is such an adapted version, proving that you can still achieve authentic flavors with contemporary equipment.

Using Alternative Cookware

If a tagine pot is not readily available, a deep skillet or a Dutch oven can serve as a practical substitute. To mimic the effects of a tagine, it is crucial to adjust the cooking temperature and time. Cooking should be done over a lower heat setting to allow the dish to simmer gently, extending the cooking time as necessary to allow the flavors to develop fully.

General Information & Nutrition

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Nutritional Values (per serving):

*Exact values may vary based on specific ingredients used

Calories: 569 kcal
Protein: 28.8 g
Carbohydrates: 56.9 g
Fiber: 13.1 g
Fats: 27.2 g

Ingredients (Serves 4)

400 g celery
1 large white onion
1 large potato (about 250g)
100 g black olives, pitted
1 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 small preserved lemon
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp salt
6 tbsp olive oil
250 ml water
400 g white fish (e.g., cod or sea bream)
Choice of semolina (we use bulgur here)
Fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

Peel and chop the onion into large cubes. Wash the celery stalks, remove the leaves, and cut into pieces. Peel and chop the potato into large pieces. Briefly rinse the olives. Peel the preserved lemon, remove the seeds, and chop the flesh into small pieces.

Cooking the Tagine

Place the prepared vegetables, preserved lemon, ginger, cumin, pepper, salt, and olive oil in the tagine pot, ensuring the bottom is covered. Add 100 ml of water and stir briefly. Simmer on low to medium heat for 20 minutes.

Mediterranean Fish Tagine Vegetable Preparation with Celery, Lemon, Black Olives and Potatoes

Adding the Fish

Meanwhile, cut the fish into large pieces. After the vegetables have cooked for 20 minutes, add the fish and 100 ml of water to the pot and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the bulgur in a separate pot according to package instructions, usually around 10 minutes.

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It’s crucial to cook the fish only for 10 minutes to prevent it from drying out.

Serving the Tagine

Chop the parsley finely and sprinkle over the dish as desired. Serve with the cooked bulgur.

Mediterranean Fish Tagine with Celery, Lemon, Black Olives and Bulgur

Tips for Extra Flavor

Capers introduce a tangy, briny contrast that enhances the delicate flavors of the fish and the warmth of the spices. Simply sprinkle them on top just before serving. For a spicy kick, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili-infused olive oil can add gentle heat, bringing an extra layer of depth to the dish.

Alternative Side Dishes to Pair with Your Tagine

Couscous

Couscous is perhaps the most traditional side dish to serve with tagine. Its small grains make it perfect for soaking up the rich sauces and spices of the tagine. Couscous cooks very quickly, making it an efficient option for busy cooks.

Quinoa

For a gluten-free alternative that still provides plenty of protein and fiber, quinoa is an excellent choice. Its slightly nutty flavor and unique texture make it a hearty counterpart to the soft, slow-cooked ingredients of a tagine.

Flatbreads

In many North African cultures, flatbreads are used not just as a side but also as a utensil for scooping up the tagine. Offering a variety of flatbreads, such as pita, naan, or even homemade Moroccan khobz, can add a cultural and interactive element to your meal.

More About the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is often praised as one of the healthiest ways to eat, thanks to its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition. Rich in vegetables, legumes, olive oil, whole grains, and lean proteins, this way of eating is not about strict rules or restrictions but about flavor, variety, and enjoyment.

In French food culture, eating well is not just about health—it’s about indulging in delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals that nourish both body and soul.

If you’re interested in more Mediterranean-inspired recipes and tips, explore our Food section for the secrets to effortless, balanced eating.