13 de May de 2024

10 typical dishes you must try in Morocco

Moroccan cuisine is a feast for the senses, a dance of flavors and aromas that reflects the country's rich cultural and historical heritage. With Berber, Arab, African, and European influences, Moroccan gastronomy is a catalog of culinary traditions that blend to create unique and delicious dishes .

One of the most distinctive features of Moroccan cuisine is its ingenious use of spices and aromatic herbs . Cinnamon, cumin, coriander, ginger, and saffron are just some of the flavors that bring Moroccan dishes to life, creating a symphony of tastes that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.

These spices not only add flavor, but also add depth and complexity to dishes, creating a truly unique culinary experience for travelers who come to Morocco to discover its charms .

From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the most remote corners of the Sahara Desert, every bite tells a story of centuries of cultural exchange and culinary adventure. Here are 10 typical Moroccan dishes you can't miss on your next trip .

1. Tagine, the king of Moroccan cuisine

The tagine is perhaps Morocco's most iconic dish, a slow-cooked and aromatic stew that combines meat, chicken, or fish with a variety of vegetables and spices . Cooked in its characteristic clay pot with a conical lid, the tagine is a sensory experience that seduces with its aroma of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander.

2. Sacred couscous

Couscous is another pillar of Moroccan cuisine, a semolina dish served with meat, vegetables, and chickpeas in a fragrant broth . This versatile dish can be found on every Moroccan table, from the humblest to the most sumptuous, and is prized for its light texture and its ability to absorb the flavors of the ingredients it's combined with.

3. Harira to recharge your energy

Harira is a thick and comforting soup , traditionally served during the holy month of Ramadan to break the fast. Made with tomatoes, legumes, meat, and spices , harira is a nutritious and satisfying dish enjoyed year-round in Morocco.

4. The delicious koftas

Koftas are meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices, typically made with lamb or beef and served with a tomato or yogurt sauce . These delicacies showcase the Moroccan skill in combining simple ingredients into dishes bursting with flavor and aroma.

5. Méchoui is tradition

Méchoui, or meshwi, is a traditional Moroccan feast: a whole lamb slowly roasted over hot coals for hours . The tender, juicy meat is served with khboz bread and accompanied by a variety of sauces and salads, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

You might also be interested in: The essentials of Marrakech, Morocco's red city

6. Maakouda, a favorite among the little ones

Maakoudas are deep-fried potato croquettes, often filled with minced meat, fish, or vegetables . These treats are popular as a street snack and are commonly served with bread and hot sauce.

7. Bissara, a tribute to hummus

Bissara is a thick cream of dried broad beans, seasoned with cumin, garlic and olive oil , considered the Moroccan version of hummus .

8. You will never run out of khboz bread in Morocco

Khboz bread is a staple on the Moroccan table, a flat, round bread baked in a wood-fired oven . Its spongy texture and slightly smoky flavor make it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of Moroccan dishes.

9. Tangia, the magic of clay pots

Tangia is a stew of marinated meat, slowly cooked in a sealed clay pot . Traditionally prepared by the men of Marrakech and cooked in the city's communal ovens, tangia is a meaty and aromatic delicacy that captivates the senses.

10. Moroccan Sweets: Baklava, Makrud

Moroccan sweets are an exquisite treat, a blend of honey, nuts, and spices that delight the palate. Baklava , puff pastries filled with walnuts and almonds, and makruds , date and almond pastries, are just two examples of Morocco's rich confectionery tradition.

Bonus: Drink mint tea and coffee in Morocco

Besides its exquisite cuisine, Morocco is famous for its aromatic drinks, such as mint tea and Moroccan coffee . Mint tea, made with fresh mint leaves and plenty of sugar, is a symbol of hospitality and is served at all social occasions. Meanwhile, strong and spiced Moroccan coffee is a delight that offers an energy boost with every sip.