Quick Answer: What are the best Moroccan side dishes?
Some of the most delectable Moroccan side dishes are— Moroccan healthy salads like Zaalouk, Moroccan Carrot and Chickpea Salad. Moroccan Non-vegetarian dishes like Loubia, Lamb Tagine, Moroccan Sausage Rolls. Moroccan specialties like Sweet and Spicy Roasted Moroccan Carrots, Moroccan Spiced Roasted Cauliflower, Moroccan Couscous, Moroccan Bread, and more.
Here are 30 drool-worthy Moroccan side dishes that will leave you wishing to have them for every meal.
Each of these side dishes is made with traditional Moroccan ingredients and will give you a full-blown experience of Moroccan cuisine.
Moroccan cuisine was unknown territory for me until I tasted the Lamb Tagine; since then it became a land of no return.
So I decided to take help from my cousin, who works at a Moroccan food joint and bring to you this list of the best Moroccan side dish.
So let’s get to it!
| Recipes | Total Calories (per 100g) | Total Preparation (Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Zaalouk | 180 | 60 min |
| Sweet and Spicy Roasted Moroccan Carrots | NA | 45 min |
| Maakouda | 106 | 170 min |
| Moroccan Carrot and Chickpea Salad | 42 | 15 min |
| Moroccan Roasted Potatoes | 149 | 35 min |
| Moroccan Couscous | 203 | 32 min |
| Moroccan Bread | 300 | 110 min |
| Moroccan Lentil Salad | NA | 40 min |
| Moroccan Spiced Roasted Cauliflower | NA | 58 min |
| Loubia | 80 | 75 min |
| Taktouka | NA | 45 min |
| Tuna Salad with Rice | 146 | 30 min |
| Couscous Salad | 100 | 30 min |
| Moroccan Tomato Salad | NA | 10 min |
| Lamb Tagine | 165 | 645 min |
| Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower Soup | NA | 60 min |
| Moroccan Fava Bean soup | 65 | 90 min |
| Moroccan Mallow Salad | NA | 40 min |
| Moroccan Sausage Roll | 350 | 45 min |
| Moroccan Apricot Chicken | NA | 255 min |
| Beet Salad | 43 | 60 min |
| Tfaya | NA | 70 min |
| Seffa Medfouna | NA | 45 min |
| Chicken and Apricot Tagine | 149 | 80 min |
| Harissa | 331 | 10 min |
| Moroccan Orange Salad | 78 | 10 min |
| Harira Soup | NA | 145 min |
| Moroccan Lamb Burger | 159 | 25 min |
| Moroccan Pita Bread | 275 | 170 min |
| Moroccan Lamb Pie | 272 | 180 min |
1. Zaalouk
Total calories (per 100g): 180
Total preparation time: 60 minutes
Zaalouk is the embodiment of authentic Moroccan flavors.
It is a cooked salad starring eggplant and tomatoes in the lead; supported with the flavors from garlic, olive oil, and popular Moroccan spices.
It has a strong flavor profile with a scrumptious texture; this is usually served— after being drizzled with olive oil— with a crusty bread.
However, it pairs beautifully with fish, meat, and potato dishes as well.
Here is a simple recipe by Cookingwithalia
2. Sweet and Spicy Roasted Moroccan Carrots
Total preparation time: 45 minutes
These Roasted Moroccan Carrots are a delightful vegetarian treat.
Made with caramelized carrots, tossed in a sweet and spicy dressing, this dish makes a great companion for hearty chicken or a simple seasoned lentil dish.
Traditionally, the dressing used for this recipe consists of cumin and cinnamon with a hint of orange; but you can use any combination which derives a similar flavor.
It is an excellent winter side dish.
3. Maakouda
Total calories (per 100g): 106
Total preparation time: 170 minutes
Maakouda is a special fried mashed potato fritter, popular as street food in North Africa.
It is prepared by flavoring the mashed potatoes with Moroccan herbs and seasoning. The patty made from this is then covered in flour and deep-fried.
The outer cover of these fritters is extremely crispy and the inner portion is soft and flavorful.
It tastes best when served beside Vegetable Tagine.
Here is a delicious recipe by Cookingwithalia
4. Moroccan Carrot and Chickpea Salad
Total calories (per 100g): 42
Total preparation time: 15 minutes
With a delicious twist on the boring carrot and raisin salad, this Moroccan version is worth a try!
A perfect match for Moroccan Grilled Chicken— this carrot and chickpea salad owes its flavors to its zesty dressing.
Thriving with vibrant colors, the spices used in this side dish give out an appetizing aroma. Its flavor profile is on the side of being savory and tangy.
Check out this easy recipe by Allrecipes
5. Moroccan Roasted Potatoes
Total calories (per 100g): 149
Total preparation time: 35 minutes
Charged with a dash of herbs and spices, Moroccan Roasted Potatoes are bound to become your weeknight go-to side dish.
The potatoes are first tossed with aromatic spices and oil and then mixed thoroughly before roasting.
Its golden appearance is gifted by the turmeric whereas the use of cayenne pepper adds a spicy tone to this dish.
Serve beside a juicy steak and enjoy!
Here is a yummy recipe by Let’s Dish
6. Moroccan Couscous
Total calories (per 100g): 203
Total preparation time: 32 minutes
Bright and cheery, this Moroccan side dish thrives with flavors and colors.
An excellent side dish for grilled chicken or meat, the couscous is prepared with roasted veggies, almonds, raisins, and chickpeas.
It is generously flavored with spices, lemon, garlic, cilantro, and mint.
Moroccan Couscous leaves a great mouth-feel with the various textures that it offers in a bite. Plus the spices used, give it a drool-worthy aroma.
Check out this recipe by BOSH.TV
7. Moroccan Bread
Total calories (per 100g): 300
Total preparation time: 110 minutes
Moroccan Bread, or Khobz, is a special flattish round bread.
It is a crusty, course bread—usually served with salad or tagine—used for scooping up and eating the main dish instead of using a fork.
This bread can also be stuffed with grilled meat by splitting open the bread.
Try this bread with the Zaalouk for a wholesome experience!
Here is a quick recipe by Cookingwithalia
8. Moroccan Lentil Salad
Total preparation time: 40 minutes
This one is a vegan delight that is robust with a Moroccan aesthetic.
Colorful and flavorsome, Moroccan lentil salad has a variety of textures and thrives with fresh herbs and spices.
This salad owes its deliciousness to its dressing that is flavored with cumin, clove, and cinnamon.
Some recipes add dried apricot and toasted almonds to this mix for more flavors and additional texture. Throw in some orange zest for a slight orangey tone.
Check out this simple recipe by Cuisine Marocaine
9. Moroccan Spiced Roasted Cauliflower
Total preparation time: 58 minutes
Moroccan Spiced Roasted Cauliflower is packed with flavors and is an excellent side dish when paired with a meaty dish.
Cauliflowers have a neutral flavor and its blandness is beautifully painted with bold flavors by the Moroccan spices used in this recipe.
Some of the recipes use dates and rasel-hanout spice to create a balance of flavors. In general, this dish has a sweet-savory flavor scheme.
Here is an easy recipe by Just A Pinch
10. Loubia
Total calories (per 100g): 80
Total preparation time: 75 minutes
Loubia is a traditional Moroccan stew made from white beans.
It consists of a delectable tomato sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs; the seasonings are very important to make this sauce flavor abundant.
Lamb or beef is added to make this dish more filling and adding cayenne or chili will impart a spicy tone to it.
It is usually paired with Moroccan bread, like Khobz.
Check out this quick recipe by Cookingwithalia
11. Taktouka
Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Just like Zaalouk, this is one of the famous Moroccan cooked salads.
Traditionally served with bread, this salad is a delicious puree of tomato and green peppers. It is flavored with authentic Moroccan spices and herbs.
Make it ahead as it tastes better after the spices are given time to set.
DIY recipe—
12. Tuna Salad with Rice
Total calories (per 100g): 146
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
A scrumptious combination of crunch, fluffy and tender— Moroccan Tuna Salad with Rice will leave you drooling.
The bland white rice is deliciously flavored with jarred tuna, cheese, corn, veggies, and Moroccan spices.
Preserved lemon contributes a special flavor to this dish.
DIY recipe—
13. Couscous Salad
Total calories (per 100g): 100
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
A good couscous salad is hearty, healthy, and flavorful— the Moroccan version fulfills all of the criteria.
Tender couscous is put together with roasted veggies, chickpeas, almonds, and herbs; this dish has contrasting flavors and textures which makes it enticing.
14. Moroccan Tomato Salad
Total preparation time: 10 minutes
This is a traditional side dish in Moroccan households and is loved for all the vibrant flavors it offers.
Loaded with juicy goodness and Moroccan spices, the main elements of this dish are tomatoes, onions, parsley, cilantro, and cumin.
It is a raw salad and is devoured with a chunk of bread.
15. Lamb Tagine
Total calories (per 100g): 165
Total preparation time: 645 minutes
Lamb Tagine has a perfectly balanced flavor profile with savory seasonings and sweet spices.
It is a stew-like dish where the lamb is simmered until tender and it leaves a mouth-watering aroma. Pair this with couscous salad for a filling meal.
DIY recipe—
16. Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower Soup
Total preparation time: 60 minutes
This soup is best described as a thick, fluffy soup with a creamy texture and well-spiced flavor palate.
When made with almonds, it gets a toasty and nutty flavor. It is the perfect winter night side dish and a must-have!
17. Moroccan Fava Bean soup
Total calories (per 100g): 65
Total preparation time: 90 minutes
Locally known as Bissara, this Moroccan Fava Bean dip can either be served as a side dip or a thin soup.
It owes its flavors to garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil and is served on the side of a crusty bread with condiments like harissa.
DIY recipe—
18. Moroccan Mallow Salad
Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Made with bakoula, i.e. a leafy vegetable that grows in the wilder parts of Morocco, this is yet another cooked salad.
These leaves are steamed and sautéed in olive oil with olives, preserved lemons, and traditional Moroccan spices.
A slight addition of Harrisa gives this salad a hint of heat.
DIY recipe—
19. Moroccan Sausage Roll
Total calories (per 100g): 350
Total preparation time: 45 minutes
A definite crowd-pleaser— the Moroccan Sausage Rolls awake everyone’s gluttonous side.
The covering of the roll is crispy whereas the filling inside is robust with Moroccan flavors added by Harissa, cumin, and cinnamon.
20. Moroccan Apricot Chicken
Total preparation time: 255 minutes
This side dish is a slow cooker recipe that accentuates its fragrance and flavors.
Moroccan Apricot Chicken is prepared from chicken thighs and breasts that are cooked with flavorful Moroccan spices, tender chickpeas, and sweet dried apricot.
It forms a hearty meal when served with a bowl of couscous.
21. Beet Salad
Total calories (per 100g): 43
Total preparation time: 60 minutes
Moroccan Beet Salad has a rich taste generated by the raw beets which are contrasted by the sharpness of the red onion.
Plus most of the dressing used for this salad consists of cilantro, cumin, parsley, or cinnamon that adds bold Moroccan flavors to this dish.
DIY recipe—
22. Tfaya
Total preparation time: 70 minutes
Tfaya is a popular Moroccan sauce prepared from caramelizing onions with raisins.
It gets a smooth flavor when honey is added to sweeten it while simultaneously seasoning it with spices like saffron, ginger, and cinnamon.
It is mostly used to top couscous and chicken.
DIY recipe—
23. Seffa Medfouna
Total preparation time: 45 minutes
This side dish has an air of grandiosity to it and is preferably served during the holidays.
Seffa Medfouna consists of a small mountain of flavored couscous or broken vermicelli that hides in itself any kind of saffron meat.
The couscous/vermicelli receives a sweetening treatment from raisin, powdered sugar, and butter.
DIY recipe—
24. Chicken and Apricot Tagine
Total calories (per 100g): 149
Total preparation time: 80 minutes
Tagines are a Moroccan specialty.
This is a flavorful and rich tagine, crafted from chicken stewed in an aromatic and rich sauce.
The sauce is fashioned out of tomato, chickpea, and raisins. It has delightful saffron, cinnamon, and Ras El Hanout seasoning.
25. Harissa
Total calories (per 100g): 331
Total preparation time: 10 minutes
Harissa is a quintessential element in Moroccan cooking and is either served as a side sauce or used as a condiment.
It is a red chili paste that is made with a handful of ingredients and endorses a sweet, tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
DIY recipe—
26. Moroccan Orange Salad
Total calories (per 100g): 78
Total preparation time: 10 minutes
This one is a citrusy salad that is served during the summers with a plate of grilled meat or tagines.
It is generally prepared using orange and red onions that are drizzled with a dressing created from cumin, paprika, lime juice, and olive oil.
DIY recipe—
27. Harira Soup
Total preparation time: 145 minutes
Harira is a Ramadan special soup made from chickpeas, lentils, tomatoes, bold spices, and meat.
It is a filling dish and has a variety of recipes from which it can be made— each recipe has a certain special element present in it.
For vegetarians, the meat can be skipped.
DIY recipe—
28. Moroccan Lamb Burger
Total calories (per 100g): 159
Total preparation time: 25 minutes
Moroccan Lamb Burgers are loved for their spicy taste and unique flavors that’ll get you to ditch your regular chicken/beef burgers.
This lamb burger’s USP is a Moroccan spice combination of cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, chili, and paprika.
Enjoy it with a topping of Mint-Yogurt sauce.
DIY recipe—
29. Moroccan Pita Bread
Total calories (per 100g): 275
Total preparation time: 170 minutes
Also known as Batbout, this Pita Bread differs from the western version as the latter is prepared in the oven whereas the former is made on a stovetop.
It is crafted from semolina flour mixed with whole-wheat flour and is extremely flavorful and chewy.
DIY recipe—
30. Moroccan Lamb Pie
Total calories (per 100g): 272
Total preparation time: 180 minutes
Moroccan Lamb Pie can be said to be a cross between a shepherd’s pie and Lamb Tagine.
It has a delectable blend of warm Moroccan spices, sweet apricot, chili, and other savory ingredients that gives this dish a perfect flavor profile.
DIY recipe—
The Bottom Line
We hope this wholesome guide gave you a tasty tour of the palace of Moroccan side dishes.
If you have any tips or suggestions, please let us know below.
Do share this guide with your family and friends.