Hraimi

Name: Hraimi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Libyan
Ingredients: 4 firm white fish steaks (sea bass or grouper); 4 tomatoes, pureed; 1 onion, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp caraway seeds; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt; Fresh cilantro for garnish

حريمي (hray-MEE)

Spicy Fish in Tomato Sauce

⏱ Prep Time 45 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 353 kcal

Firm white fish simmered in a bold, chili-spiked tomato sauce with cumin and garlic. This Tripolitanian classic showcases Libya's Mediterranean seafood heritage.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 35.0g

Carbs 15.0g

Fat 17.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ fish

Equipment Needed

deep skillet spatula serving platter

Presentation Guide

Vessel: oval serving platter

Garnishes: fresh cilantro, lemon wedges

Accompaniments: steamed rice, crusty bread

Ingredients

4 firm white fish steaks (sea bass or grouper)
4 tomatoes, pureed
1 onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp caraway seeds
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1
Season fish steaks with salt, cumin, and a squeeze of lemon. Let marinate 15 minutes.
2
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet. Saute onion until golden, add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3
Stir in tomato paste, pureed tomatoes, paprika, cayenne, and caraway seeds. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened.
4
Nestle fish steaks gently into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top of each piece.
5
Cover and cook on low heat 15-20 minutes until fish is flaky and has absorbed the sauce flavors.
6
Serve on a platter with sauce spooned over, garnished with cilantro and lemon wedges.

💡

Did You Know?

In Tripoli, fishermen's wives would prepare hraimi with the freshest catch brought in at dawn, and the dish was ready before the boats were even tied up.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

deep skillet
spatula
serving platter

Garnishing

fresh cilantro, lemon wedges

Accompaniments

steamed rice, crusty bread

The Story Behind Hraimi

Hraimi reflects Tripoli's deep connection to the Mediterranean Sea. Jewish, Amazigh, and Arab communities in coastal Libya all contributed to this fiery fish preparation. The dish became especially associated with Tripoli's Jewish community, who brought their version to Israel when they emigrated. In Libya, hraimi remains a proud symbol of Tripolitanian cuisine, showcasing the quality of Mediterranean fish paired with North Africa's fearless approach to chili heat.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch, especially coastal areas 📜 Origins: Ottoman-era Tripoli

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