Authentic Moroccan Food You Can Make At Home (18 Recipes) (2024)

FAQs

What is the most traditional ingredient in Morocco cooking? ›

Couscous. couscous is more than an essential to Moroccan cooking, it is the national dish! It is traditionally made using semolina, but can also be made from barley or wheat. You can buy it pre-rolled or roll it by hand into a pellet-shaped pasta and steam it three times (link to how to steam couscous blog/ recipe).

Kefta is a popular Moroccan street food that consists of grilled ground meat skewers. The meat is usually made with beef or lamb, and seasoned with a blend of spices that can include cumin, paprika, and coriander. The skewers are typically grilled over an open flame, which gives them a smoky and charred flavor.

Vegetables are a large component of the Moroccan diet. A vegetable medley salad precedes almost every meal. Commonly used vegetables include potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, artichokes, and carrots, among many others. Vegetables also round out most meat dishes, providing depth and flavor as well as nutrients and fiber.

Popular fruits and vegetables are: apricots, artichokes, cabbage, cardoons, cauliflower, fennel, grapes, lemons, olives, oranges, peaches, peppers, plums, pomegranates, pumpkins, quinces, tomatoes, turnips, and zucchini. Moroccan cuisine uses many spices and herbs, especially cilantro.

"Found on Cooking With Alia, a site that has authentic Moroccan recipes. Alia says; "Today, we are making Moroccan Jben, which is a white cheese that is very popular in the North of Morocco, but you can find it everywhere!

The four most basic spices used in Moroccan cooking are cumin, black pepper, ginger and turmeric. Other common spices found in many dishes are saffron, paprika, cayenne, chilli (harissa), cinnamon, and sometimes white pepper. There are also some special blends of spices that are used extensively in Moroccan cooking.

Moroccan cuisine is revered worldwide for its rich and diverse flavors. It skillfully blends influences from the country's historical heritage and unique geographic location. In Morocco, you'll discover a delightful fusion of Arab and Berber culinary traditions, complemented by inspirations drawn from Southern Europe.

Maakouda are traditional potato fritters that are popular throughout the Maghreb, especially in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The fritters are usually prepared plain, but they can also be stuffed with meat, tuna, or cheese, although not that often. The fritters are especially popular during the month of Ramadan.

Shawarma is one of those foods that people try in Morocco and wonder why it isn't universally recognized as one of the greatest sandwiches around. Smell the seasoned meat cooking right before your server shaves off enough to fill your sandwich. Sometimes they will add a spicy sauce or vegetables in the shawarma.

What is a must try Moroccan food? ›

Some must-try Moroccan foods include tagine, couscous, bastilla, mechoui, and zaalouk. These dishes offer a taste of Morocco's diverse culinary heritage and are widely enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Couscous is considered Morocco's national dish

Steamed above a pot of boiling vegetables, the dish is fluffed by hand for an hour or more to make sure the end result is up to scratch. Served with aubergines, onion and any other vegetable that takes your fancy, it not only tastes great but is super healthy too.

Most families eat the midday meal at home together before going back to work. The meal starts with green vegetables or salads called tapas, which are followed by tajine, a stew or soup. Hard-boiled eggs, bread, lamb or chicken and couscous are common parts of a Moroccan lunch as well.

Traditional Moroccan breakfast is a fried egg served in olive oil with a wedge of cream cheese and a couple of olives. Then 'jiben' – a little softer and more sour goats milk cheese – that's eaten on its own. Followed by sweet mint tea. The Moroccan way of eating is with your hands.

With so many nations and peoples contributing to Morocco's culinary palette, it comes as no surprise that the country is renowned for its diverse menu. Many of Morocco's dishes are known to offer a burst of contrasting flavours and textures, most notably sweet and crunchy.

“Mint tea is Morocco's national beverage and favourite pastime. Steeped in ritual and ceremony, it is always served to a guest when in a home or shop. Even a family without electricity, furniture, or an adequate roof will likely own a silver tray and pot for serving tea.

Morocco allows the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol must be purchased and consumed in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas. You can also buy alcohol in most major supermarkets.