When thinking about what to serve with Moroccan tagines, the side dishes often include a variety of Moroccan salads. It can be a single salad or it can be half a dozen! The first thing I want to point out is that couscous is not a side dish to the tagine. Sure, if you want to you can serve it any way you like. But many people assume and use couscous the same way as you might use rice as a side dish to a curry. That’s not how it’s served.
You’ve got your eye on a great Moroccan tajine recipe but you’re stumped wondering what to serve alongside the main dish. The good news is there is no hard and fast rule about what you should do. That being said there are some ideas about what is typically done in Morocco.
Many Moroccan side salads, commonly referred to as Moroccan side dishes, are actually cooked. So they’re a bit more like a side dish than a salad – though salad is the term you’ll hear them referred to. While in Morocco these are often cooked until very soft, you can cook to the firmness you prefer.
Why Cook with a Tagine
Cooking in a tagine is a culinary adventure when conjuring the rich and aromatic flavors of Moroccan cuisine. The term “tagine” not only refers to the unique conical-shaped cooking vessel but also encapsulates the delectable concoctions simmering within – a harmonious blend of sweet and savory tastes that tantalize the taste buds. In the heart of traditional Moroccan kitchens, ingredients are carefully packed into the tagine, its lid snugly secured, and the slow-cooking process begins. Originally, this pot was placed over a smoldering charcoal fire, but modern kitchens have adapted, allowing for the same slow-cooking in ovens or on stovetops.
The tagine’s versatility is reflected in its various types, some tailored for oven or stovetop use, while others serve as visually appealing serving dishes. While the traditional earthenware tagines add an authentic touch, modern versions made from metal or flameproof glazed ceramic provide convenience without compromising this age-old cooking method.
How to Serve Tagine Side Dishes
In Morocco, the tajine is the central dish on the table. Everyone generally sits around a round table to eat. On smaller plates around the table are the salads, each meant to be for 1-2 people, including tagine side dishes. In some homes, you might find individual small salads for each person. Generally, there are no individual plates; everyone eats from the dishes using bread to pick up their food. If you’re making a tajine, then you also should include some bread.
If you’re short of time, any crusty bread like a French baguette will work. If you have the time, try your hand at Moroccan khobz! When considering what to serve with tagine, incorporating a variety of salads and traditional bread options enhances the dining experience.
Side Dishes that Work for All Tagines
There are always a few dishes that will work for everything, especially when considering tagine accompaniments. When pondering what to eat with tagine, I like to use at least one of these to make things easier on myself!
Photo Credit:
marocmama.com
Libyan sharmoula, a close relative to the Italian bruschetta with historical ties to Italy’s colonization of Libya, reflects the culinary fusion influenced by the conquering neighbors to the north. Despite the heavy Italian influence, the Amazigh and Arab tribes adapted the dishes to local vegetation in the diverse landscapes of Libya, including deserts, mountains, and coastal regions.
This simple Arabic recipe for sharmoula embraces ease, involving chopping up the ingredients and mixing them together, making it an accessible and flavorful dish.
Photo Credit:
marocmama.com
Indulge in the savory delight of spiced olives paired with a fresh loaf of bread and cheese with this delightful Moroccan snack. Despite initial reservations about recreating the magic, the discovery of a simple yet flavorful recipe, guided by MarocBaba and the wisdom of the mother-in-law, transformed these olives into a staple in the author’s fridge and a must-have on any party table. Give them a try, and you might find yourself captivated by the irresistible appeal of these homemade spiced olives.
Photo Credit:
marocmama.com
This Moroccan green salad, a delightful blend of romaine, spinach, and mint, is a light and refreshing dish ideal for summertime. Elevated by a zesty preserved lemon dressing that adds a burst of citrusy goodness, this salad, perfect as an appetizer or side dish, is served cold. It complements various meals, especially Moroccan vegetable side dishes.
Photo Credit:
marocmama.com
Transform your kids’ aversion to cooked carrots with this delightful Moroccan carrot salad, known for being one of the easiest and most delicious Moroccan salads. This simple dish features cooked carrots served at room temperature and dressed with a flavorful vinaigrette, making it a perfect side that appeals to both children and adults alike. This recipe captures the essence of fresh vegetables from a backyard garden, making it a wholesome and nostalgic addition to any meal.
Photo Credit:
marocmama.com
These Moroccan cheese briouats are a cherished favorite, especially for kids, and are a must-have in the realm of Moroccan iftar recipes. The recipe encompasses various briouat varieties, all sharing the same concept of flavorful fillings enclosed in warka or filo pastry and fried to a delightful crunch. Despite being cheese-filled, these briouats may initially surprise those accustomed to cheesier options, as the recipe aligns with the traditional Moroccan approach that uses relatively minimal cheese, a characteristic more prevalent in the southern regions of the country.
Photo Credit:
marocmama.com
Learn to make delicious air fryer cheese briouats with this recipe, a Moroccan dish traditionally crafted with phyllo dough and filled with a savory cheese mixture. Unlike the traditional deep-frying method, this recipe opts for the air fryer, eliminating the need for any oil. Discover a healthier way to prepare your favorite dishes without compromising on taste – perfect for those seeking a calorie-conscious cooking alternative!
Photo Credit:
marocmama.com
Experience a taste of Moroccan tradition with harira soup, a Ramadan ritual cherished by Moroccan families who gather every evening to enjoy steaming bowls, even amidst scorching summer temperatures exceeding 100F. Despite the array of ingredients in this soup recipe, the preparation is surprisingly straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome.
Photo Credit:
marocmama.com
Moroccan butternut squash soup recipe holds a special place in the heart of a dedicated soup lover who, after years of sacrifice, finally succeeded in convincing the rest of the family to appreciate the hearty goodness of a full soup meal. As the winter chill sets in, gather your heavy blankets and relish the satisfaction of sharing this delightful soup with loved ones.
What to Serve with Chicken Tagine
Some ideas for chicken tagine side dishes, particularly suited to complement the rich flavors of the dish, encompass a variety of choices. From classic couscous and roasted vegetables to vibrant Moroccan salads and side dishes, here are plenty of delicious accompaniments to enhance your dining experience.
Having recently savored the authentic tapas experience in Madrid’s Mercado de San Miguel, where bars offer complimentary bites like almonds and olives with a drink, I was inspired to recreate the joy of assembling a light meal from an array of easy-to-make items. In Spain, the term “tapas” encompasses both small plates and pinchos (items served on a stick), often enjoyed with beer, wine, or the delightful grape juice known as mosto. Embracing the communal spirit, tapas and pinchos are the quintessential party foods.
Growing up, I never despised vegetables, and I couldn’t relate to those cartoons depicting kids rejecting them. My appreciation for fresh produce stemmed from enjoying fruits and vegetables straight from the tree and my grandpa’s garden. However, my aversion to cooked vegetables was undeniable—cooked peas and spinach were definite no-gos. That changed as I discovered the allure of roasted vegetables; a single experience with roasted carrots revealed a newfound appreciation for this cooking method.
Discover the delightful flavors of Moroccan cuisine with a unique eggplant salad known as za’alook. Overcoming the challenge of making eggplant appealing to all, this recipe introduces a flavorful twist that goes beyond the typical fried preparations. Embracing the Moroccan tradition of incorporating cooked salads into lunch, za’alook stands out as a delicious and versatile choice, making it a must-try addition to your culinary repertoire.
This unique salad defies conventional expectations, perhaps claiming the title for the oddest “salad” in culinary history—although a jello “salad” could provide stiff competition. Upon its initial presentation, the combination of potato, rice, and carrot in a salad may elicit surprised expressions, prompting thoughts like “who would think these ingredients could make a salad?” Yet, the unconventional blend offers a surprising and flavorful twist that challenges traditional notions of what a salad can be.
Indulge in the unexpected delight of a Moroccan breakfast or lunch with this recipe featuring beans. Contrary to expectations, beans take center stage in this common Moroccan dish, typically found at small street food stalls. With its affordability and delectable flavors, this dish has become a favorite that proves beans are not just for dinner.
What to Serve with Moroccan Lamb Tagine
When contemplating what to serve with lamb tagine, it’s important to note that many of these suggestions would also complement beef dishes. The higher fat content of the meat means that dishes with a bit more acid or a lighter profile make a better pair for these dishes. Consider options that balance the richness of the meat, such as couscous, rice, or a refreshing side salad. Additionally, exploring diverse lamb tagine accompaniments can enhance the overall dining experience, providing a variety of flavors and textures to complement the aromatic dish.
Enhance your dinner table with the essential addition of Moroccan salads, among which the tomato and onion salad stands out as one of the easiest and most versatile options. A staple when fish is on the menu, this refreshing salad often finds its place in regular rotation, complementing a variety of meals. Whether accompanying the beloved Braniya or balancing the richness of beef or lamb, this salad might just become your new favorite culinary companion.
This delightful recipe, inspired by a memory from years ago, features an unexpected combination of flavors—orange and olives—that initially drew skepticism. However, the revelation occurred during a visit to Val d’Argan, a charming winery near Essaouira, where this unique orange and olive salad became the star of the first course. Described as a “party in your mouth,” this light and lovely dish serves as a perfect winter pick-me-up.
If you’re wondering what to have with lamb tagine, this Moroccan salad featuring beets is a delightful balance of flavors that even those wary of beets may enjoy. With guidance from a skilled Moroccan cook, the recipe showcases tender beets prepared in a pressure cooker for optimal flavor and texture. Whether diced, steamed, boiled, or roasted, the versatility of this dish offers a delicious exploration of Moroccan cuisine.
This Moroccan salad, though traditionally categorized as such, serves as a versatile side dish or condiment, offering flexibility in culinary applications. Its exquisite compatibility with fish dishes makes it a standout accompaniment. The crucial element of this recipe lies in charring the peppers, allowing for a customizable choice of pepper varieties, with detailed techniques provided in the recipe notes.
Discover a delightful twist on green pepper recipes with Taktouka, a popular and traditional Moroccan salad. Although initially unimpressed with a similar dish at an upscale Essaouira restaurant, this version stands out, particularly when served warm to suit personal preferences. Typically enjoyed as part of the Moroccan mezze, Taktouka complements main dishes like chicken. If you’re wondering what goes with lamb tagine, Taktouka also makes for a flavorful and vibrant side dish to accompany this rich and aromatic main course.
