Samke Harra (Spicy Lebanese Fish with Tahini Sauce)
Lebanese baked cod in a warm, spiced tahini sauce with cilantro, garlic, and Aleppo pepper, finished with toasted pine nuts. Ready in under 40 minutes and best served with Lebanese rice or warm pita.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 2 lbs cod or other white fish
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Tahini Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup water or as needed
- 1 lemon juice of
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp Aleppo pepper
Instructions
For the Fish
- Preheat the oven to 400℉. Pat the fish dry on both sides and place them in a baking dish.
- Top the fish with salt, cayenne, and Aleppo pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and massage to coat evenly.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily and is cooked through.
For the Tahini Sauce
- While the fish is baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the cilantro.
- Add the tahini, water, and lemon juice. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy, adding more water as needed.
- Season with salt and Aleppo pepper. Simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
To Assemble
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Toast the pine nuts until golden, this would take about 5 minutes.
- Place the baked fish on a serving dish and spoon the warm tahini sauce generously over the top.
- Scatter with toasted pine nuts and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with rice or pita.
Notes
- Pat the fish very dry before seasoning for the best texture.
- Add water to the tahini sauce gradually; it should be pourable but not thin.
- The sauce can be made up to a day ahead. Reheat with a splash of water before serving.
- For more heat, add a pinch more cayenne or a chopped fresh chili to the sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 578kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 732mg | Potassium: 1222mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 528IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 3mg