Moroccan Fish Recipe: Hout Quari

When people think of Moroccan food this fish sandwich is not something that comes to mind. It’s why we so enjoy stopping at a local shop that sells these grilled sardine sandwiches during our food tour. I readily admit I was hesitant.

He loved this sandwich and swore it didn’t get any more authentic and local than this. I gave in and time and time again am surprised at the reaction the majority of people have. So many so that I’ve been asked countless times to share the recipe.

This is the original thing. Sure it’s not so pretty to look at but you’ll be surprised by the flavor! Typically it’s served just like the sandwich piece. Or, you can order it without the bread and you’ll get the fish balls and toppings on a plate. Order half (shown) or a whole (this plus another half). Coke is the only drink offered, besides what goes better a grilled fish ball sandwich than a Coke?

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YIELD:6-8 FISH PATTIES

Moroccan Fish Sandwiches: Hout Quari

prep time: 10 MINUTES

total time: 10 MINUTES

If you think you don’t like sardines think again. This recipe should be made with fresh sardines to get the best taste. It’s a favorite on our food tour in Marrakech.

Ingredients

• 1/4 kg sardine flesh cleaned and removed from bones OR
• 2 tins of sardines (appx 250grams)
• 10-15 grams ras al hanout (add more or less to your liking)
• 10-15 grams smen (Moroccan butter) can use Indian ghee or salted butter at room temperature – just enough to hold together
• small handful chopped cilantro
• You’ll also need bread to add the patties and filling too. A pocket bread like pita bread works well but a sturdy roll like a Portuguese roll would also work well.

Instructions

1. Combine everything and blend by pulsing in a food processor until the mixture is similar to a thick paste.
2. Shape into balls and put into a grill press.
3. Grill 5 minutes on each side or until fish is cooked through.
4. You can also cook in a grill pan or simply fry in a pan.

Toppings :

– chopped raw onions

– raw tomato sauce (flesh of a tomato grated with some cilantro, salt, and pepper blitzed in)

– harissa

– sliced green olives

– smen

1. Assemble your sandwich by adding the toppings you like. Some may seem odd but they all work together really well, try them all first then adjust based on your tastes.

Notes

If you are using tinned sardines you may want to rinse them off to remove excess salt. You also can adjust the recipe and use unsalted butter instead of salt.