Are you passionate about good food? Interested in exploring culinary cultures from around the world? Then let us share with you some of the most unique and irresistible recipes from the flavorful world of Moroccan cuisine, and showcase one of its signature ingredients: couscous.
Couscous plays an integral role in Moroccan cooking. These tiny grains of rolled semolina wheat have become emblematic of Middle Eastern food culture, and form the basis of a wide range of classic Moroccan dishes. So, join us as we delve into Morocco's rich and diverse culinary tradition!
Features of Moroccan Cuisine
Although Moroccan cuisine is famous for its diverse range of flavors and aromas, there are a number of staple ingredients that can be found in most recipes. Meat is a popular component of many dishes, with lamb, beef, and chicken being the most popular choices. Moroccan cuisine is also famous for its alluring fragrance, with most recipes calling for a delicate blend of herbs and spices. For refreshment, mint tea is the traditional choice of drink at mealtimes, and, of course, no Moroccan feast would be complete without fluffy couscous.
The Art of Flavoring Moroccan Couscous
The rich aromas associated with Moroccan couscous dishes are largely down to its creative employment of a range of herbs and spices in recipes. Here’s a rundown of some of the most widely-used.
Essential Spices and Herbs in Moroccan Cuisine
Cumin
Turmeric
Black pepper
Cayenne
Ginger
Saffron
Harissa
Coriander
Bay Leaves
Parsley
Mint
Is Moroccan Cuisine Mediterranean?
The diversity of Moroccan cuisine comes down in large part to its unique geography, being located in the very north of Africa, with Spain only a short ferry ride across the Mediterranean. Although its strongest influence comes from the melding of Middle Eastern and Berber culinary traditions, it also shares many characteristics of Mediterranean cuisine. Salads with fresh vegetables are a defining feature of both traditions. What’s more, olive oil is an essential component in both Moroccan and Mediterranean cooking.
The Versatility of Couscous in Moroccan Cuisine
As we’ve established, couscous is a staple ingredient of Moroccan cuisine, offering a wide array of culinary possibilities that cater to various tastes and preferences. Let’s look at some of the most popular ways to prepare it.
Different Ways to Prepare Couscous
Couscous can be steamed, fluffed with a fork, and combined with an assortment of flavorful ingredients.
It can be simmered in a savory broth for added depth of flavor or cooked with aromatic spices to create a fragrant base.
Some variations include toasting the couscous before cooking to enhance its nutty undertones or mixing it with herbs and dried fruits for a unique twist.
Now that we’ve got some insight into what makes Moroccan cuisine unique, let’s dive into the recipes!
Traditional Moroccan Couscous Recipes with Chicken
Some ingredients are just made for each other. That’s certainly the case when it comes to chicken and couscous. This Hearty Moroccan Chicken Couscous recipe showcases the best of everything Moroccan cuisine has to offer—succulent chicken, a delicate blend of spices, and fluffy RiceSelect® White Couscous. Alternatively, for a lighter option that’s just as tasty, try these Moroccan Chicken Kabobs. They’ll bring flair and flavor to your next barbecue or outdoor gathering.
Tagines
What is a tagine?
Perhaps the dish that’s most synonymous with Morocco is the tagine. Tagines are a conical-shaped, earthenware dish. Shallow in depth, a tagine is particularly suitable for slow-cooked meals, as its unique shape retains steam produced during the cooking process, helping to create a moist texture which optimizes the rich blend of flavors at work in the recipe. If you’re curious to try out an easy tagine recipe for yourself, this Chicken Olive Couscous Tagine is a great place to start. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s loaded with herbs, spices, and juicy vegetables, not to mention succulent chicken breasts.
Moroccan Seafood Dish
One aspect of Moroccan cuisine that is perhaps less well-known is its use of seafood. Seafood recipes are particularly popular along the coast, with perch, tuna, and sea bass being local favorites. This Moroccan Sea Bass and Tri-Color Pearl Couscous is perfect for lovers of seafood meals looking to try something a little bit different. Made with fluffy and herbaceous RiceSelect® Tri-Color Pearl Couscous, it combines tender sea bass filets with a mouthwatering range of spices to give you a seafood dish that won’t disappoint!
Couscous as Filling in Stuffed Vegetable Recipes
Similar to their neighbors across the Mediterranean, Moroccans have a wide variety of delicious stuffed vegetable recipes in their culinary repertoire. But how do they put their own unique spin on these beloved dishes? By using soft, flavorful couscous as the filling. These Couscous Stuffed Roasted Tomatoes are packed with herbs and refreshing feta cheese. One thing’s for sure: they will change the way you think about stuffed vegetable recipes forever!
Recipes with Pearl Couscous
If you’re looking for a salad option which features the variety of couscous known as ‘pearl couscous’, this Lemon Butter Pearl Couscous Salad is the recipe for you. Showcasing many of the hallmarks of Moroccan cooking—herbs, fresh vegetables, lemon— it works equally well as a side dish or main meal. Best of all, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it a low-fuss option for those looking to dip their toes into the flavors of Morocco’s proud culinary tradition.
Classic Moroccan Dessert Option
Like in many other parts of the world, Moroccans like to end their main meal on a sweet note. This Vanilla Bean Saffron Pearl Couscous Pudding is a great example of the creativity and innovation at the heart of this wonderful cuisine. It adds a unique dimension to the classic rice pudding concept by substituting rice with pearl couscous and adding the sweet aromas of vanilla and saffron to the mix.
Variety is the Spice of Life!
At RiceSelect® we love nothing better than to get in the kitchen and experiment with new flavors. Like any other art form, cooking is a lifelong pursuit. That’s why we’re proud to provide a hub for home chefs looking to master new dishes and incorporate bold flavors into their cooking. If you’re passionate about cooking, make sure to check out our blog!