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Cod and Harissa Tagine
Moroccan tagines prepared with whole fish inspired this simple skillet dinner. With fresh fennel, garlic, a few choice seasonings and spicy harissa, the cooking liquid is infused with a bold flavor and fragrance. Mild and flaky cod fillets work beautifully, but any firm-textured white fish will do. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed—for every 1 inch of thickness, simmer gently for about 8 minutes. A starchy side, such as couscous, steamed potatoes or warmed bread, is the perfect accompaniment.
4
Servings
Tip
Don't cook the fennel uncovered. Cooking it covered with a generous dose of olive oil coaxes out its natural sweetness and allows its somewhat fibrous texture to turn tender and silky.
50 minutes
20 minutes active
Ingredients
-
5
tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
-
3
tablespoons harissa, divided
Directions
-
01In a 12-inch skillet over medium, stir together 3 tablespoons of oil, 2 tablespoons of harissa, the fennel, garlic, coriander, 1½ teaspoons salt and ¼ teaspoon white pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fennel has softened, 15 to 20 minutes.
Reviews
October 12, 2025
Excellent even though I overcooked the fish
Really delicious, spot-on seasoning and flavor. I substituted a mix of celery, sweet onion, and crushed fennel seeds for the fennel bulbs and it worked just fine but I followed the method closely otherwise. Will pick up some fennel bulbs and try it again to see the difference. Definitely will make again. Paired with fried polenta for an easy starchy side.
March 26, 2025
Good blend of flavors and textures
Great recipe to make use of in season fennel.
February 19, 2024
Delicious!
This was just terrific. I did cut back on the harissa but I shouldn’t have - it would have not been too spicy for my spouse at full strength. I did use some lemon zest, along with minced preserved lemon (instead of lemon zest-juice). I also threw in about 1/4 cup of golden raisins in the topping and I liked the combination. The almonds added great texture. An easy, delicious meal. Will make this regularly.
November 7, 2023
Really flavorful cod recipe
Cod can sometimes be kind of boring, but this recipe is incredibly flavorful. Every recipe from Milk Street has been so delicious, that I really don't make substitutions; however I didn't have white pepper, so I used black, and I didn't have coriander seeds, so I used ground, and I didn't have pimento stuffed olives, so I just used regular green olives. Nevertheless, it was delicious! And easy!
July 13, 2023
Excellent and Easy
I initially thought the Harissa might be too much but it worked well. I used preserved lemon in place of zest (cutting back on salt a bit) and farmed salmon I had on hand. Both also worked well. Worth making again for sure.
Loved this! Made it for 2, used one fennel bulb and added potatoes, sliced and parboiled which soaked up the sauce nicely too. Will definitely be making again and I can see playing around with other vegetables and adding fresh chopped herbs. Another shout out for Villa Jerada harissa! Thx Milk Street!
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I've made this recipe twice now, and it's going into my permanent rotation. It's low effort and maximum flavor. I find it also works with one fennel bulb and the leftovers from my CSA box - I've done thinly sliced turnips, storage radish, chard stems, red bell pepper. Amazing. (Side shout out for the Villa Jerada harissa which is the best I've had.)