Summakiya Recipe

Jennifer Segal

16 May, 2024

Unlock the art of Summakiya! Our easy recipe brings Middle Eastern flavors to your table. Dive into a savory delight with step-by-step guidance.

Summakiya

Publisher: Recipe Volt
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Category: Main Dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 300 calories

About Ingredients Instructions Video Servings Tips Substitutes

Summakiya, a cherished dish in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly hailing from Lebanon and Palestine, is a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds with its rich flavors and aromatic profile. This traditional fish stew, often featuring white fish fillets like cod or haddock, brings together a symphony of ingredients that dance on the palate.

See the Palestinian Summakiya version of the recipe called Sumaghiyyeh.

The preparation of Summakiya begins with a fragrant base of sautéed onions and garlic, creating a savory foundation. Diced tomatoes and tomato paste join the mix, their vibrant colors and robust flavors infusing the dish with depth. A medley of ground cumin, coriander, and paprika is sprinkled in, elevating the concoction with a harmonious blend of spices.

The star of the show, the white fish fillets, are delicately laid atop this flavor-rich canvas. A generous pour of lemon juice adds a zesty kick, infusing the stew with a tantalizing tang. As the pot simmers, the fish absorbs the essence of the tomato medley, resulting in a succulent and tender creation.

Summakiya, also known as Samakia is served with a garnish of fresh coriander or parsley, is best accompanied by rice or crusty bread, allowing for a delightful marriage of textures. The dish embodies the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine—bold, aromatic, and designed to be shared amongst family and friends. Each bite tells a tale of culinary tradition, a journey into the heart of Lebanese flavors that captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression.

Recipe

Dive into a culinary journey with our mouthwatering Summakiya recipe—Middle Eastern magic in a pot! Discover the secrets to a flavor-packed feast!

Ingredients

1 kg white fish fillets (like cod or haddock)
2 onions, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
4 tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish

Method Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes break down.
Sprinkle in ground cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix the spices evenly.
Lay the fish fillets on top of the tomato mixture. Pour lemon juice over the fish. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
Carefully stir the stew, ensuring the fish is well-coated with the flavorful tomato mixture.
Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley before serving.

This dish is best enjoyed with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. It's a delightful blend of savory and tangy flavors, perfect for a hearty meal.

Recipe Video

Summakiya

This is a video about Summakiya.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 48 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Summakiya, Summakiya Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving Summakiya is a delightful experience that involves presenting this flavorful Middle Eastern dish in a way that enhances its appeal. Here's a simple guide on how to serve Summakiya:

Choose the Right Accompaniments: Summakiya pairs exceptionally well with fluffy white rice, couscous, or even crusty bread. These sides help soak up the savory broth and complement the tender fish.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped coriander or parsley over the Summakiya. This not only adds a burst of color but also contributes a refreshing herbal note to the dish.
Serve in a Stylish Dish: Present Summakiya in a deep, wide bowl or on a large platter. The generous serving vessel allows guests to appreciate the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of the stew.
Provide Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side. This allows individuals to customize the level of citrusy brightness in their serving, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Encourage Family-Style Dining: Summakiya is perfect for family-style dining. Place the pot or serving dish at the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves. It fosters a communal atmosphere and adds to the enjoyment of the meal.
Consider Presentation: If you want to elevate the presentation, consider drizzling a touch of extra virgin olive oil over the stew just before serving. This not only adds a luxurious sheen but also imparts a subtle richness.
Pair with a Refreshing Beverage: Complement the bold flavors of Summakiya with a refreshing beverage like mint tea or a light white wine. The contrast will enhance the overall dining experience.

Tips

Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh fish fillets, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final flavor of the dish.
Fish Selection: Choose mild white fish like cod or haddock. Their subtle flavors allow them to absorb the delicious spices and tomato broth without overpowering the dish.
Consistent Chopping: Ensure uniform chopping of onions, garlic, and tomatoes for even cooking. This helps create a harmonious texture in the stew.
Balancing Flavors: Taste the stew as it simmers and adjust the seasoning if needed. Balancing the acidity from tomatoes and lemon with the savory spices is key to achieving the perfect flavor profile.
Cooking Time: Be mindful not to overcook the fish. Fish fillets cook relatively quickly, and overcooking can lead to a dry texture. Simmer until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish Fresh: Add fresh coriander or parsley just before serving to maximize the herbal aroma and vibrant color. Fresh herbs contribute a burst of freshness to each bite.
Customization: Feel free to customize the spice levels according to your preference. If you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
Serve Hot: Summakiya is best enjoyed when served hot. Ensure your accompaniments, whether rice or bread, are warm to complement the temperature of the stew.
Lemon on the Side: Providing lemon wedges on the side allows each person to squeeze fresh lemon juice over their serving, enhancing the tangy elements according to individual taste.
Explore Pairings: Experiment with different side dishes or beverages to find the perfect pairing for your Summakiya. Middle Eastern salads, yogurt-based sauces, or a light white wine can complement the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you find yourself missing a few ingredients for Summakiya, there are some suitable substitutes you can consider:

Fish Substitute: If you don't have the specified white fish like cod or haddock, you can use other mild-flavored fish such as tilapia or sole.
Tomato Paste Substitute: In place of tomato paste, you can use an equal amount of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Keep in mind that tomato sauce is thinner, so you may need to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired consistency.
Fresh Tomatoes Substitute: If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Ensure they are drained before adding them to the dish.
Ground Cumin Substitute: Ground coriander can serve as a substitute for ground cumin if needed. It will add a similar warm and citrusy flavor.
Ground Coriander Substitute: If ground coriander is not on hand, you can use ground cumin as an alternative. While the flavors are not identical, they share some common notes.
Paprika Substitute: Smoked paprika or chili powder can be used as a substitute for paprika, depending on your spice preference. Adjust the quantity to maintain the desired level of heat.
Olive Oil Substitute: Canola oil or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil. They provide a neutral flavor and work well in cooking.
Lemon Juice Substitute: If fresh lemons are not available, bottled lemon juice can be used. Adjust the quantity to taste, as bottled lemon juice can be more concentrated.