It’s time to upgrade your appetizer game with these 10 unbelievable Moroccan dishes. I’m not talking about the same old tired recipes.
From potato cakes to eggplant salad, these tasty morsels transport you to the exotic flavors of Morocco. Get ready for a culinary adventure that’s both easy and delicious!
1. Classic Moroccan Tomato Salad
Whether it’s a special occasion or a summer snack, this Moroccan salad is a recipe to remember. All it takes are juicy tomatoes combined with cilantro, parsley, and red onion. Cumin, salt, pepper, and olive oil accentuate the flavors.
It’s refreshing, lively, and totally simple. Plus, prep only takes 10 minutes and calls for fewer than 10 ingredients.
2. Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup (Harira)
Whether it’s your first course or the entree, this Moroccan soup is sure to impress. While most Harira recipes call for meat, this version is vegetarian-friendly.
Lentils and chickpeas make it filling. Plus, garlic, onions, and lots of spices enhance the tomato base. Garnish with lemon, yogurt, and toasted almonds.
3. Moroccan Almond & Pistachio Briouat
If you’re a fan of baklava, you have to taste this briouat. This Moroccan dessert is truly an experience.
It’s a phyllo dough pastry that can be either sweet or savory. This one is definitely sweet.
The pastry is brushed with a generous layer of butter. It’s then filled with a sugary, orange blossom water-infused nut filling. After baking, each triangle is soaked in honey.
4. Moroccan Fava Bean Soup (Bissara)
Fava beans alone usually aren’t that exciting. But with the correct additions, they’re amazing! Case in point, this traditional Moroccan recipe.
Bissara is a rich, plant-based fava bean soup. The cumin, paprika, and ginger, plus SIX garlic cloves, bring intense flavor.
Serve with crusty bread for dipping. This incredibly thick, vegan soup is amazing.
5. Moroccan Kefta Kabobs
Kefta kabobs are not to be missed. From the delicious beef to the seasonings, these kabobs are phenomenal.
Three kinds of herbs, harissa, cumin, and turmeric are among the flavors. Plus, grilling brings a little bit of char to the savory beef.
It’s like you are eating food from a Moroccan street vendor. But you get to enjoy it with your friends at home!
6. Moroccan Pita (Batbout)
Batbout is a Moroccan pita. It also has a few other names: mkhamer, toghrift, and matlou’. Unlike other Middle Eastern pitas, batbout is cooked on the stove instead of in the oven.
As it cooks, it puffs up, making a pillowy pocket. It’s delicious for sandwiches and perfect for dips. Try it with zaalouk for a traditional experience.
7. Moroccan Potato Cakes (Maakouda)
Want a dish that everyone will enjoy? Make Maakouda. It’s essentially a patty made from mashed potatoes.
The spuds are mashed with herbs, garlic, and an egg to help bind. Each cake is dusted with flour before frying.
The exterior turns golden while the interior is very soft. For dipping, consider a spicy harissa yogurt sauce.
8. Moroccan Cigar
These Moroccan cigars are sure to be the star of the show. It’s a classic Moroccan appetizer served at celebrations.
When they’re rolled, they resemble cigars. That’s how they got the name.
These crispy, savory cigars have a secret, though. Usually, the filling is beef or lamb, but this version uses plant-based meat.
That way, more people can enjoy them. And they taste just as good!
9. Moroccan Cooked Eggplant Salad (Zaalouk)
Zaalouk will completely change how you think about salad. This isn’t a leafy green-based recipe. Instead, it has a texture closer to dip.
And it’s a delicious one! This robust combo includes eggplant, tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
You don’t have to grill or roast the eggplant, like with baba ganoush. This entirely plant-based recipe is made in one pot.
You can serve this either hot or cold. I like it best with warm pita bread.
10. Moroccan Chicken Pastilla
Pastilla is as flavorful as Moroccan cuisine gets. This North African stuffed pie is a Moroccan favorite.
It’s made with a chicken filling seasoned with cumin, cinnamon, and paprika. Almonds add more texture, and cilantro adds a hint of freshness.
Unfortunately, feuilles de briques dough might be hard to find. You might find it at an international store. Phyllo dough works as a good substitute.