Moroccan Recipes Perfect for Ramadan

Moroccan cuisine is known for its rich flavors, vibrant spices, and diverse dishes that bring people together. During the holy month of Ramadan, Moroccans typically come together to share meals and break their fasts with family and friends. In this blog post, we’ll explore five delicious Moroccan recipes that are perfect for Ramadan, each with its own unique flavor profile and cultural significance.

These recipes are staples in Moroccan cuisine, and their preparation is often seen as a labor of love. Each dish requires attention to detail, patience, and a touch of love to create the perfect flavor and texture. Whether you’re fasting during Ramadan or just want to try something new, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and become a part of your cultural heritage.

Harira Soup

Harira soup is a classic Moroccan dish that’s traditionally served at the beginning of Ramadan. It’s a hearty, comforting soup made with onions, garlic, tomatoes, lentils, and spices. The soup is rich in nutrients, easy to digest, and perfect for breaking fasts.

Ingredients

– 1 cup of red or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 4 cups of vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley

Instruction

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Moroccan Chicken Tagine

A Moroccan chicken tagine is a classic dish that’s slow-cooked in a traditional clay pot. The dish is made with chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, and spices, and is typically cooked with preserved lemons and olives for added flavor. This dish is perfect for Ramadan, as it’s a slow-cooked, tender meal that’s easy to digest.

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 inches of fresh ginger, grated
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– Salt and black pepper to taste

Instruction

1. Heat the olive oil in a traditional clay pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Cover the pot and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot over couscous.

Briouats

Briouats are Moroccan pastries that are typically filled with meat, onions, and spices. The pastry dough is crispy and flavorful, while the filling is savory and aromatic. These pastries are perfect for breaking fasts during Ramadan, as they’re easy to eat and satisfying.

Ingredients

– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– Vegetable oil for brushing
– Filling ingredients:
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– Salt and black pepper to taste

Instruction

1. To make the pastry dough, combine the flour, warm water, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well to combine.
2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten each ball into a disk.
4. Brush the disks with vegetable oil and fill each one with a tablespoon or two of the filling ingredients.
5. Fold the pastry in half to form a triangle or square shape, and press the edges to seal.
6. Brush the tops of the pastries with vegetable oil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Moroccan Lentil Soup

Moroccan lentil soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s made with red or brown lentils, onions, garlic, and spices. The soup is rich in nutrients and fiber, making it a great option for breaking fasts during Ramadan.

Ingredients

– 1 cup of red or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of vegetable broth
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– Salt and black pepper to taste

Instruction

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Msemen Flatbread

Msemen is a Moroccan flatbread that’s traditionally made with a mixture of flour, water, and butter. The dough is rolled out thin and cooked in a pan with a little bit of oil until crispy and golden brown. This flatbread is perfect for breaking fasts during Ramadan, as it’s easy to eat and satisfies your hunger.

Ingredients

– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 cup of warm water
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– Vegetable oil for brushing

Instruction

1. To make the dough, combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Mix well to combine.
2. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into small balls and roll out each ball into a thin disk.
5. Brush the disks with vegetable oil and cook in a preheated pan over medium heat until crispy and golden brown.
6. Brush the flatbreads with melted butter and serve hot.