North African Marinade Food

NORTH AFRICAN SPICED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Add the chicken to a large bowl then drizzle with avocado oil and all the spices. Using a pair of tongs turn and mix the chicken pieces and spices together until they are evenly distributed over the chicken.
• Sear the chicken about a minute or to per side on a large frying pan heated to medium high heat.
• Bake in the oven at 350ºF for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperautre reaches 165ºF.

NORTH AFRICAN MARINADE

Steps:

• Place onion, garlic, ginger, spices and salt in a skillet. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes or until spices are fragrant and lightly roasted. Remove from heat.
• In a blender combine the spice mixture, lemon juice, and puree to a smooth paste.
• Spread paste over seafood, poultry, beef or pork and marinate for 2-3 hours or overnight for best results.

GRILLED SALMON WITH NORTH AFRICAN FLAVORS

Steps:

• Stir together yogurt, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup for sauce; cover and refrigerate for use atop fish after cooked.
• Place salmon fillets in a large sealable plastic bag. Pour in the remaining herb mixture, seal the bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, turning the bag over once.
• Meanwhile, preheat grill to medium-high. Oil the grill rack by placing oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack.
• Remove the salmon from the marinade, blotting any excess. Grill the salmon until browned and opaque in the center, 4 to 6 minutes per side.
• To serve, top each piece with a dollop of the reserved sauce and garnish with lemon wedges.

NORTH AFRICAN MEAT RUB

Steps:

• In a spice grinder (I use a coffee grinder)grind the salt, oregano, rosemary, caraway and the turmeric to a fine powder.
• Mix this with the Harissa, garlic and the three tablespoons of olive oil.
• Transfer to a small jar and top with more olive oil so it won't dry out (always keep a thin layer on top).

NORTH AFRICAN MARINADE FOR FLANK STEAK

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients except steaks in a bowl and mix well. (Marinade can be kept refrigerated for 7 to 10 days.).
• Pierce the steak all over on both sides with a sharp fork or skewer. Place it in a zipper-lock bag or shallow glass baking dish. Pour over the marinade and refrigerate overnight (cover if using a dish). Shake and turn the bag or turn the meat occasionally. Let it come to room temperature before cooking.
• TO GRILL THE STEAK:.
• Pat the steak dry. Grill the steak over medium-hot coals in a covered or uncovered barbecue or directly over the flames of a gas grill. Flank steak is best cooked medium-rare and should never be cooked more than medium; the internal temperature should be 130 to 135 degrees F. This should take roughly 4 to 5 minutes per side on a standard grill.
• Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes, covered loosely with aluminum foil, before carving into 1/4-inch-thick diagonal slices across the grain.

MARINATED NORTH AFRICAN OLIVES

Steps:

• combine everything in a glass jar.
• add the olives and toss to coat.
• refrigerate for 3 days.
• lasts for 3 weeks in the refrigerator.