25+ Traditional Moroccan Recipes
This collection of 25+ traditional Moroccan recipes will show you how flavorful and approachable Moroccan food can be! Keep reading to get the rundown on all of my favorite recipes, including many of my family recipes.
In this post I’m sharing 25+ of my favorite Moroccan recipes from the blog, plus some tips for success with Moroccan food and cooking in general.
Table of contents
How to develop maximum flavor
Depending on the type of meal you’re eating (entree, side dish, dessert, etc.), you will notice common techniques, flavors and ingredients across many dishes.
Many of the Moroccan recipes I grew up eating around the dinner table were prepared and cooked in a tagine (a clonical shaped clay pot).
While it’s not necessary to buy one to make these Moroccan recipes, it’s definitely a fun tool to add to your kitchen if you’re interested in making tagines!
Here are some of the different seasonings, marinades and flavors that you will find used frequently in these recipes to help develop flavor:
- Ras el hanout – a classic Moroccan spice blend that’s flavorful, versatile, and often used in tagines, dishes with red meat, and even on veggies.
- Preserved lemons – these add an incredible depth of flavor to a wide variety of marinades and tagines. Plus, they’re made with just two simple ingredients: lemons and salt!
- Harissa – this North African hot sauce is made with dried chiles, preserved lemon, and traditional spices. It adds both heat and acidity to a variety of sauces, marinades, and tagines.
- Chermoula – chermoula is a flavorful marinade made with preserved lemons, fresh herbs, and olive oil. It’s perfect for adding flavor to fish, shellfish, veggies, or just about anything savory!
- Spices – Moroccans use spices liberally, some of the most popular being cumin, saffron, ginger, paprika, cardamom, cinnamon & turmeric.
- Herbs – you will notice cilantro, parsley, and mint are used frequently, in addition to a variety of other herbs.
Key Ingredients in Moroccan Cooking
I was very lucky to grow up eating lots of Moroccan food, which meant variety in produce, proteins, and grains.
Here are some popular ingredients that are commonly used in Moroccan recipes:
- nuts
- honey & dried fruit
- orange blossom water
- pickled veggies like olives, peppers, etc.
- grains like couscous, semolina, & barley
- bread
Now that you have some background on what to expect, let’s dive in to the recipes:
Chicken Recipes
Traditional Moroccan Chicken Tajine with Olives and Preserved Lemon
This traditional Moroccan chicken tajine with olives and preserved lemon is one of the best and most flavorful tajines ever! Think juicy chicken thighs marinated in Moroccan spices in a rich sauce served over couscous.
30 Minute Harissa Chicken Skewers
These harissa chicken skewers are loaded with flavor thanks to the North African hot sauce, fresh veggies and traditional Moroccan spices. Served over a bed of couscous or with fresh bread, they make a wonderful meal in just 30 minutes.
Couscous Recipes
Authentic Moroccan Couscous (Ahmed’s Version)
This authentic Moroccan couscous is a colorful dish made with perfectly cooked couscous topped with lamb, a variety of stewed veggies and a flavorful broth. My family in Morocco make it every Friday as a way to gather together and pray.
Moroccan Vegetable Tagine
This Moroccan Vegetable Tagine is the perfect stew for the colder months, loaded with warm spices and hearty veggies. Served over a bed of couscous or with warm bread, this flavorful vegan meal is bound to warm up the entire family!
Lamb Recipes
Grilled Lamb Chops with Cumin and Salt
This popular Moroccan street food is as delicious as it is easy to make. These grilled Lamb Chops are packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. Traditionally they are served with a mix of cumin and salt in a cute little ceramic bowl. They remind me of summers spent in my Grandma’s kitchen in Rabat.
Grilled Lamb Kebabs
These lamb kebabs are marinated with a blend of middle eastern spices, fresh herbs and preserved lemon. They are grilled to juicy perfection and make the perfect meal served with your favorite veggies and bread or couscous.
Moroccan Lamb Shank Tagine (Tangia)
This Moroccan Lamb Shank Tagine originated in my father’s hometown of Marrakech and is packed with flavors of garlic, preserved lemon and lamb. You will love the sauce this dish provides served with a fresh baguette or over a bed of couscous.
Soup Recipes
Bisarra (Moroccan Fava Bean Soup)
This Moroccan fava bean soup (Bisarra) is creamy, full of flavor, and uses just a few simple ingredients before being pureed. This traditional fava bean soup recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Moroccan Harira
Today we’re making my dad’s famous Moroccan Harira, a soup made to break the fast during Ramadan in Morocco.
Salad Recipes
Classic Moroccan Tomato Salad
Today we’re making a classic Moroccan tomato salad that’s loaded with juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and traditional Moroccan spices.
Classic Moroccan Lentil Salad
One of my goals for the new year is to share more family recipes, starting with this Classic Moroccan Lentil Salad made with O-Live & Co. Organic olive oil.
Classic Roasted Moroccan Beet Salad
This classic roasted Moroccan beet salad is made with roasted beets, vinegar, olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper. It comes together in under an hour and is delicious served cold as a side salad or snack.
Moroccan Carrot Salad
Today we’re making a popular Moroccan Carrot Salad that’s vegan, gluten free and requires only 4 ingredients.
Moroccan Roasted Pepper Salad
Today we’re making a Moroccan pepper salad made with roasted bell peppers, tomato, spices, olive oil and vinegar. This refreshing side dish is wonderful served with bread or with any protein.
Zaalouk (30 Minute Moroccan Eggplant Dip)
Today we are making one of my favorite vegan dishes, Zaalouk. This Moroccan eggplant dip is made with fresh eggplant, tomato, spices, and olive oil. It’s fabulous served as a salad, in a tagine, or as a dip with bread.
15 Minute Authentic Moroccan Cucumber Salad
This authentic Moroccan cucumber salad is bright, refreshing, and comes together in just 15 minutes. Made with Persian (or Armenian) cucumbers, mint, and a simple vinaigrette, it’s the perfect vegan and gluten free salad to serve as a side dish or snack.
30 Minute Moroccan Roasted Eggplant
This roasted eggplant is made with Moroccan spices, tossed with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs. It’s a wonderfully flavorful side dish to serve with any main dish or protein.
Spicy Potatoes: my Moroccan grandma’s version of potato salad
Join me in making my grandma’s spicy potatoes that are seasoned with preserved lemon, Moroccan harissa paste, garlic, parsley and spices. Table of Contents Popular Moroccan Salads Ingredients Moroccan Spices & Condiments How to Make Spicy Potatoes What to Serve with Your Potatoes This post may contain affiliate links; this means if you purchase an
Breakfast Recipes
30 Minute Shakshuka (Moroccan Style)
This Moroccan-style shakshuka is made with eggs poached in a tomato red pepper sauce and comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect dish to serve with a crusty loaf of bread and works as a breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Baghrir (Moroccan Semolina Pancakes)
Baghrir are light, spongey Moroccan pancakes made with semolina flour. When cooked correctly, they are covered with tiny holes that are perfect for filling with melted honey and butter.
Dessert Recipes
Halwa Chebakia (Moroccan Sesame Cookies)
Join me in making Halwa Chebakia, fried Moroccan sesame cookies that are traditionally served during the month of Ramadan. These flower shaped treats are loaded with warming spices like turmeric & saffron, fried, then steeped in honey with orange blossom water. While definitely a labor of love, these Moroccan cookies are a treat that are perfect for sharing during the holidays.
Gazelle Horns (Moroccan Almond Cookies)
Gazelle horns (also known as Cornes de Gazelle) are a classic Moroccan cookie made with an almond filling and thin pastry shell.
Drink Recipes
Moroccan Mint Tea
Learn how to make Moroccan mint tea, one of the nations most popular beverages made with fresh mint, gunpowder tea and sugar.
Authentic Moroccan Coffee (10 Minutes)
Learn how to make this authentic Moroccan coffee that’s infused with warm, sweet spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg in under 10 minutes.
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
Fresh squeezed orange juice is such a refreshing drink to make in the cold Winter months. Citrus is in season so grab a bag of your favorite oranges let’s go! If you’ve never made this treat before, you’ll be surprised by how easy it is to make with 0 sugar added or fancy gadgets. All
Avocado Smoothie (3 Ingredients!)
This avocado smoothie is made with fresh avocado, plant based milk and honey for a super creamy and naturally sweet treat.
Staples
Preserved Lemon Recipe (A Traditional Moroccan Staple)
Preserved lemons are a Moroccan cuisine cooking staple. This recipe for preserving lemons is quick and easy, and adds a great depth of flavor to a wide variety of Moroccan marinades, tagines, salsas, sauces and more! Prepped within 10 minutes, this recipe yields 6 preserved lemons.
Homemade Harissa (A Moroccan Cooking Staple)
Allow me to introduce you to your new favorite Moroccan cooking staple, Harissa. This North African hot sauce is made with dried chiles, preserved lemon, and traditional spices.
5-Minute Ras El Hanout Spice Blend Recipe
This DIY recipe for Ras El Hanout, which translates to ‘top shelf’, is so good! It’s a classic Moroccan spice blend that’s flavorful, versatile, and used often in Moroccan cuisine.
Chermoula (The Perfect Marinade)
Chermoula is a flavorful marinade made with preserved lemons, fresh herbs, and olive oil. It’s perfect for adding flavor to fish, shellfish, veggies, or just about anything savory!
I hope you found some inspiration in this list of Moroccan recipes! While this isn’t a complete list, I think it captures just how special the cuisine is. If you make a recipe please reach out on Instagram or leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
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Authentic Moroccan Recipes: Mint Tea
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups of tea 1x
- Category: Beverages, Drinks
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Learn how to make Moroccan mint tea, one of the nations most popular beverages made with fresh mint, gunpowder tea and sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp gunpowder tea
- ½ tbsp sugar
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- In a teapot add the gunpowder tea pellets. Heat your water in a tea kettle until hot and boiling.
- Pour about a half a cup of this hot water over the gunpowder tea, cover and let sit for a few minutes. Pour the water out of the teapot, through a strainer (if your teapot doesn’t have one) and into a small glass, set aside (this is our spirit – it has all the flavor!)
- Pour an additional cup of the hot water over the gunpowder tea, covering and letting it steep for another 2-3 minutes. Pour this water into another cup through a strainer and discard.
- Finally, add the sugar, mint leaves, and first glass to the bottom of the teapot over the gunpowder leaves. Fill the teapot to the top with hot water, cover and steep for a 5-10 minutes.
- If your teapot doesn’t have a built in strainer for the gunpowder tea, strain it before pouring into a glass. Then, pour this glass back into the teapot. Repeat this process a few times to mix the tea with the caramelized sugar. Strain, serve and enjoy!
Bismillah,
