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Tag: El Manar

Published on Leave a comment on El Manar Light Tuna Flakes with Harissa

This El Manar Light Tuna Flakes with Harissa came from that Middle-Eastern market I go to to look for new sardines. I hadn't seen this tin there before, and was a bit curious as to why tins dated from 2024 suddenly showed up in 2026, but the best by date was 2027, so I took a chance. I was hoping to see the El Manar Sardines in Harissa I knew they'd had before back in stock, but no luck. This can seemed like a good opportunity to see what their harissa sauce was like. At $4.29, I hoped for the best.

El Manar Light Tuna Flakes with Harissa can
El Manar Light Tuna Flakes with Harissa open can
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.6/5.

Looks a bit mushy. Described as tuna flakes, I wasn't expecting filets, but I'm hoping that digging in will reveal something more appealing. The aroma is as expected, tuna-fishy. Not really getting a sense of the harissa.

Time To Eat
El Manar Light Tuna Flakes with Harissa over rice

OK, out of the can things are improved. It's what I'd call a chunk light tuna. I can't find anything on the company website that says what kind, though. An Amazon listing says bluefin, but I'm skeptical as it's not a Mediterranean species typically seen canned.

What you see is about three fourths of the can, which is a generous 5.71oz. It says two servings, but I may just finish it all if it's good.

A taste of the tuna is encouraging. The heat of the sauce hits just right, complementing but not overpowering the tuna flavor. Whatever kind it is, I find it satisfyingly flavorful.

The harissa is sunflower oil-based and includes red hot peppers, garlic, coriander, caraway and citric acid. The heat is steady but moderate, the spices well-balanced and the citric acid brings a welcome note of bright tanginess. The salt level is just right at 355mg.

I did end up finishing the whole can, if that tells you anything. This tuna is about $3.50 a can in quantity on Amazon, and, honestly, I could see myself pulling the trigger on a 10 count.

Main Takeaways
  • Moist, flavorful tuna
  • Well-balanced application of harissa
  • Generous portion

Brand: ManarThon-Zarzis / El Manar
Description: Light tuna flakes with harissa
Species: Bluefin?
Country of Origin: Tunisia
Source: FAO37, Mediterranean Sea
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 5.71 oz.
Price Range: $3-4

Published on Leave a comment on El Manar Mediterranean Sardines in Sunflower Oil

I got these El Manar Mediterranean Sardines in Sunflower Oil from another new-to-me local vendor, this time a Middle Eastern market. I had been wanting to try the brand for a long time, but they were never available individually priced on Amazon. While they were very attractively priced by the dozen there, I was reluctant to commit to twelve cans of an unknown commodity.

El Manar Mediterranean Sardines in Sunflower Oil can
El Manar Mediterranean Sardines in Sunflower Oil open can
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.9/5.

This was one of those super stiff cans you think you'll never get the lid off. I was finally able to do so with minimal oil splatter. After doing so, I didn't note much in the way of aroma, only the slightest whiff of a fresh fish smell. A sip of the oil was also neutral, not unexpected from sunflower oil.

There looks to be a generous number of fish in this can, which is a good thing. I also see little or nothing in the way of scales or fins. Also good.

Lunch Time
El Manar Mediterranean Sardines in Sunflower Oil over rice

Unloading the can out over rice, I am pleased to see a total of eight fish. They are firm enough to remain intact.

An initial bite reveals a meaty texture, not dry but not what I would call juicy by any means. I also note they are surprisingly a little salty, but not off-puttingly so. The English language label lists 270mg. sodium, relatively low for tinned fish.

After finishing half the can, I decided to season them up a little. A new jar of Micro Pharms Crunchy Garlic Oil seemed the perfect choice. It has tons of crunch, and by typical chili crisp/crunch standards, isn't salty at all. Turns out it was a good combination. I note the Amazon listing's image of the label says 0mg. sodium, but it's actually a still-very low 60mg.

Main Takeaways
  • Tender but firm fish
  • Generous portion
  • A little salty

Overall, I thought there was much to like about these, and just may consider purchasing a dozen. El Manar also sells a version packed in harissa oil. Hopefully, I can convince the local vendor to consider stocking them as well.

Brand: ManarThon-Zarzis / El Manar
Description: Sardines in sunflower oil
Species: Sardina pilchardus
Country of Origin: Tunisia
Source: FAO37, Mediterranean Sea
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.4 oz.
Price Range: $3-4