A Tapestry of Ancient Heritage, Exquisite Cuisine, and Legendary Wines
Samke Harra, a bold and vibrant coastal specialty from Tripoli, Lebanon, features tender baked fish fillets topped with a punchy sauce of garlic, chili, lemon juice, and either tahini or tomato. Garnished with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs, this dish is rich, spicy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients
Serves 2
For the fish:
2 Fillets (approx. 250–300g each) — sea bass, red snapper, or tilapia
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
1 tsp lemon juice
For the spicy tahini sauce:
2 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
1 fresh red chili, finely chopped (or ½ tsp chili flakes)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp water (to thin sauce)
1 tbsp fresh coriander (or parsley), chopped.
Salt to taste
For garnish:
1 tbsp pine nuts (or chopped walnuts), lightly toasted.
Fresh coriander or parsley
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Fish:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Rinse and pat the fish dry. Rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil.
Bake for 18–25 minutes (depending on thickness) until flesh flakes easily.
If using fillets, bake for 10–12 minutes only.
Make the Spicy Tahini Sauce:
In a bowl, mix tahini, lemon juice, garlic, chili, olive oil, water, coriander, and salt.
Whisk until smooth. Add more water if needed to make it pourable but creamy.
Toast the Nuts:
In a dry pan over low heat, toast pine nuts or walnuts until golden (1–2 minutes).
Assemble & Serve:
Once the fish is cooked, place it on a serving platter.
Spoon the tahini sauce over the fish generously.
Sprinkle with toasted nuts and fresh herbs.
Serve with rice pilaf, flatbread, or roasted vegetables and lemon wedges.
Lebanese Wines to Pair
Domaine des Tourelles White
Aromatic, fresh, and lightly floral with a citrusy lift, this white wine cools the chili heat and complements the tangy tomato and herbs in Samke Harra. A refreshing match for spicy seafood dishes.
Château Ksara Sunset Rosé
Dry and crisp with hints of red berries and a clean mineral finish, this rosé wine balances the spice and bright flavors of the fish without overpowering it. Ideal for bold yet elegant seafood pairings.
Château Musar Jeune Red
Light-bodied and fruit-forward with soft tannins, this youthful red brings juicy freshness that harmonizes with the spicy sauce and roasted pine nuts. Serve slightly chilled for a smooth, vibrant contrast.