5 Must Try Dishes in Morocco

Travelling from one end of Morocco to the other side, as we do with The Adventurous Ewe’s small group tour to Morocco, we sample many different dishes. I have listed my favourite dishes in Morocco and often it is also what the ladies enjoy as well. From aromatic tagines to vibrant salads and hearty soups, Morocco boasts a culinary landscape that delights the palate and satisfies the soul. Here my 5 must try dishes in Morocco that epitomize the essence of Moroccan gastronomy and are not to be missed.

1. Harira – A hearty Moroccan soup

I could have this every day! We sampled this soup at various venues, however, the best soup was in a Medina in a little kiosk. We were hungry and had a long day. Our Chef stopped at a small kiosk, while we were shopping for the ingredients for our cooking class. The lady had a big pot and was delighted when we entered. Eight bowls of soup was an unexpected bonus. She borrowed little plastic chairs from the surrounding kiosks to fit us in around 2 plastic tables.

This hearty soup is a beloved staple of Moroccan cuisine, often enjoyed during the holy month of Ramadan to break the fast. Made with a base of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and onions, harira is seasoned with a medley of aromatic spices, including ginger, cinnamon and saffron, which infuse the broth with a depth of flavour.

Traditionally, harira is enriched with tender pieces of lamb or beef and finished with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro. Served alongside crusty bread or dates, harira is a comforting and nourishing dish that warms the body and soul, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

2. Chicken Lemon Tagine – a classic

We had our cookery class on the rooftop of a beautiful Riad with Samirah, our personality, personified Chef. We cooked this chicken dish making our own individual tagine. It was delicious. Tagine, both the name of the dish and the vessel in which it is cooked, is synonymous with Moroccan cuisine and represents the pinnacle of culinary artistry.

One of the most iconic tagine dishes is the chicken lemon tagine, a symphony of flavours that tantalize the taste buds with every bite. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in a fragrant blend of preserved lemons, olives, garlic, and spices, such as cumin, paprika, and turmeric, before being slow-cooked to perfection in a clay tagine pot. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that strikes the perfect balance between savoury and tangy, with the preserved lemons imparting a zesty brightness to the dish.

3. Hot Tomato Salad – a lovely colourful dish

As part of our cookery class we made this delicious hot tomato salad to accompany our chicken tagine. Moroccan cuisine celebrates the beauty of simplicity, and nowhere is this more evident than in the classic hot tomato salad. Made with just a handful of fresh, ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, paprika and olive oil. Serve with bread to soak up the leftovers.

4. Pepper and Aubergine Salad

Another dish we made at our cooking class. Grilled bell peppers and smoky roasted aubergines are tossed with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of cumin, creating a harmonious marriage of flavours and textures. A satisfying side dish or hearty vegetarian main course.

5. Lamb chops – succulent delight

We stopped at a road side grill house on our way to Fes. The lamb chops were the most delicious we had on our Moroccan tour. A Moroccan feast would’nt be complete without a succulent serving of lamb chops, grilled to perfection and bursting with flavour. Known for its tender texture and rich flavour, lamb is a staple protein in Moroccan cuisine and is often featured prominently in celebratory meals and special occasions.

Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, and grilled over an open flame or charcoal grill, Moroccan lamb chops are a true delicacy that delights the senses with every bite. Served alongside fluffy couscous or roasted vegetables. We also learnt how to cook couscous properly, not just adding boiled water.

In conclusion, Moroccan cuisine is a culinary adventure. From hearty soups, aromatic tagines to vibrant salads and succulent grilled meat, the dishes of Morocco reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions. So, the next time you find yourself in Morocco, be sure to indulge in these 5 must try dishes in Morocco.

The Adventurous Ewe is off to Tuscany on our next tour. Have a look at our Walking in Tuscany tour and join us for another culinary adventure not to be missed.