Barbeque Herring from the Casablanca Market

Mark and I woke early on the first morning we were in Morocco and headed down to the fish market in Casablanca.

We had been experimenting with Moroccan food for quite a while and here we were, finally in the country itself. The market was chaotic, with people rushing about and big baskets of seafood passing by on fisherman’s shoulders. There were donkeys laden with vegetables and a raucous, festive atmosphere.

Down by the dock there were small stalls in an area where people could sit on benches. All were very crowded. Some stalls served prawns, others mussels. We found a man barbecuing fish fillets and as there was a little space, we sat down on the little bench in front of his stall. People scooted along and made us very welcome. Without a word, the man handed us a plate of freshly grilled fish with a wonderfully spicy herby topping.

For the recipe, and more fishy tales, make sure you check out Hooked on Herring by Jacqueline Hagan, to be launched by Margaret River Press on Tuesday the 22nd of November.