Chermoula is a classic North African condiment, and if you’re only familiar with the green version, the red chermoula is worth getting to know. Villa Jerada’s take is rich and deeply savory, built around sun dried tomatoes, preserved lemon, herbs, garlic, and warm spices. It’s bold without being heavy and has just the right balance of acidity, sweetness, and spice.
This is the kind of condiment that earns its place in the fridge because it works in so many situations. You don’t need to follow a recipe or commit to Moroccan cooking for it to make sense. A spoonful here and there is often enough to transform a dish.
One of the easiest ways to use it is as a marinade. Chicken and fish are obvious choices, but it also works beautifully with shrimp or lamb. Coat the protein, let it sit for a couple of hours if you have time, then grill or roast. The preserved lemon and spices do most of the work for you.
It’s also excellent with vegetables. Toss cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots with a little chermoula before roasting, and you’ll end up with vegetables that feel finished rather than like an afterthought.
Chermoula dip: If you’re putting together something casual, chermoula makes a great dip base. Stir a spoonful into Greek yogurt or labneh and serve it with warm bread or raw vegetables. It’s simple, but it always disappears first.
For salads and grains, chermoula works well as a shortcut dressing. Fold it into couscous or bulgur with chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs, or drizzle it over lentils or roasted chickpeas for something more substantial.
Seafood is another natural match. A light drizzle over a fish fillet before baking or grilling adds depth without masking the flavor of the fish. The acidity from the preserved lemon keeps everything fresh.
Villa Jerada’s chermoula is a solid, versatile condiment that fits easily into everyday cooking. The flavor is balanced and well rounded, and it works across a wide range of dishes without taking over. It’s the kind of product you keep in the fridge and reach for when something needs a little more depth, without having to think too hard about it.
