Monkfish is a firm, meaty fish which is perfectly suited to the strong flavours of harissa.
SERVES 4
- 50g harissa paste
- Olive oil
- 600g monkfish fillet, diced into 2cm pieces
- 8 red tomatoes, wedged
- 2 green peppers, diced into 2cm pieces
- 1 preserved lemon
- 150ml vegetable stock
- Half tsp ground cumin
- Half tsp ground coriander seeds
- Half tsp mild chilli powder
- 100g couscous
- Small bunch of fresh coriander, finely chopped
You will need: 8 wooden skewers, soaked for 30 mins
- Mix the harissa with a little oil until the mixture is loose and just liquid. Pat the monkfish with paper towels to ensure it is completely dry, then roll it in the harissa mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Build the skewers with the monkfish, alternating pieces of tomato and pepper.
- Peel the preserved lemon, reserving the peel. Carefully slice each segment ensuring there is no pith and set aside. Slice the peel into fine matchsticks and set aside.
- Bring the stock to a simmer over a gentle heat, add the spices and a little oil, then the couscous. Stir the couscous to remove any lumps then cover and take off the heat, leaving it for 10 mins to absorb the stock. Once the stock is fully absorbed, fluff the couscous with a fork and add a few pieces of preserved lemon peel to taste.
- Set the skewers on a hot stovetop grill pan or a hot barbecue and cook, turning every minute or so until the pepper just starts to blacken. Serve on a bed of couscous and decorate with coriander and lemon pieces.
Recipe by Mat Follas from The Mediterranean Table, published by Ryland Peters & Small