Moroccan cuisine is like a treasure chest of flavors—spices, herbs, and textures that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
It’s a mix of Berber, Arabic, and Mediterranean influences, creating dishes that are hearty, aromatic, and downright delicious.
Whether you’re a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons or just someone who loves a good meal, these Moroccan recipes are about to become your new favorites.
Ready to dive into a world of tagines, couscous, and mouthwatering sweets? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a flavor-packed journey through the 10+ best Moroccan recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.
1. Classic Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Let’s kick things off with the iconic Moroccan chicken tagine.
This dish is the epitome of comfort food, with tender chicken, sweet apricots, and a blend of spices that’ll make your kitchen smell like a Marrakech market.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
Heat olive oil in a tagine or heavy pot. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, then set aside.
Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add the spices and stir for a minute until fragrant.
Return the chicken to the pot, add apricots and broth, then cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Serve with couscous or crusty bread.
Why we chose it:
This dish is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect introduction to Moroccan cooking. The mix of sweet and savory flavors is unforgettable.
2. Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Prunes
If you’re a fan of lamb, this tagine is a must-try.
The meat is slow-cooked until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, and the prunes add a touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the lamb.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 cup pitted prunes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
Heat olive oil in a tagine or pot. Brown the lamb cubes, then set aside. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
Add spices and cook for a minute. Return the lamb to the pot, add prunes and broth, then cover and simmer for 2 hours. Serve with couscous or rice.
Why this made it to our list:
The combination of tender lamb and sweet prunes is a match made in culinary heaven.
3. Moroccan Vegetable Couscous
Vegetarians, rejoice! This Moroccan vegetable couscous is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s packed with seasonal veggies and fluffy couscous.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 sweet potato, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
Cook couscous according to package instructions using vegetable broth.
In a separate pan, sauté veggies with olive oil and spices until tender. Mix everything together and serve warm.
Why we selected it:
It’s a vibrant, healthy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a side at your next gathering.
4. Moroccan Harira Soup
Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup that’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s often enjoyed during Ramadan but is perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
Sauté onions, celery, and tomatoes in olive oil. Add spices and cook for a minute.
Add lentils, chickpeas, and broth, then simmer for 45 minutes. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.
Why we chose it:
This soup is a flavor bomb and a great way to warm up on a chilly day.
5. Moroccan Beef Kefta Tagine
Kefta is a spiced meatball dish that’s incredibly flavorful. This version is cooked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with eggs for a unique twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, grated
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 egg
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 eggs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
Mix ground beef, grated onion, spices, and egg. Form into meatballs.
Brown them in olive oil, then add tomato sauce and simmer for 20 minutes. Crack eggs on top, cover, and cook until eggs are set.
Why this made it to our list:
It’s a fun, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
6. Moroccan Mint Tea
No Moroccan meal is complete without a glass of mint tea. It’s refreshing, sweet, and the perfect way to end a meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 green tea bags
- 1 bunch fresh mint
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp sugar
How to make it:
Boil water and steep tea bags for 3 minutes. Add mint and sugar, then let it sit for another 2 minutes. Serve hot.
Why we selected it:
It’s a staple of Moroccan culture and a must-try for anyone exploring the cuisine.
7. Moroccan Spiced Roasted Carrots
These roasted carrots are a simple yet stunning side dish. The spices take them to a whole new level.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
Toss carrots with olive oil and spices. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.
Why we chose it:
It’s an easy way to add a Moroccan twist to your veggie game.
8. Moroccan Orange and Olive Salad
This salad is a refreshing mix of sweet and savory flavors. It’s light, bright, and perfect for a summer meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 oranges, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup green olives
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
Arrange orange slices, olives, and onion on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cumin, salt, and pepper.
Why this made it to our list:
It’s a unique salad that’s bursting with flavor.
9. Moroccan Almond Cookies (Ghriba)
These cookies are a sweet treat that’s perfect with a cup of tea. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with almond flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to make it:
Mix all ingredients until a dough forms. Roll into balls, then bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar.
Why we selected it:
They’re a delightful way to end any meal.
10. Moroccan Fish Tagine
This fish tagine is light, flavorful, and packed with Mediterranean vibes.
Ingredients:
- 4 white fish fillets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
Sauté onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper in olive oil. Add spices and cook for a minute. Place fish on top, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Why we chose it:
It’s a healthy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers.
11. Moroccan Chickpea Stew
This vegan stew is hearty, spicy, and perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chickpeas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
Sauté onions and tomatoes in olive oil. Add spices and cook for a minute. Add chickpeas and broth, then simmer for 30 minutes.
Why this made it to our list:
It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor.
Conclusion
Moroccan cuisine is a feast for the senses, and these 10+ recipes are just the tip of the iceberg.
From hearty tagines to refreshing salads and sweet treats, there’s something here for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, fire up the stove, and start cooking your way through these delicious Moroccan dishes.