Named after the beautiful ceramic pots these meals are served in, tagine broths, stews and medleys are central to Moroccan and North African cuisine. Unique spices, lengthy simmering times and a base of items like chickpeas, apricots and figs make these wonderfully foreign dishes a joy to make (and to devour). If you’re in need of new recipes to spice up your dinner routine, we’ve got 15 of the most mouth-watering, juicy, fruit-and-vegetable-ridden recipes that will turn you into an impressive worldly chef in no time. And if you’re feeling inspired, don’t forget to check out this beautiful Moroccandecor!
1. Chicken + Spring Vegetables: The tasty chicken and plethora of fresh vegetables are two huge benefits to this style of cooking. This recipe is a variation of the classic mix of chicken, potatoes and olives. (via Camille Styles)
2. Beef + Pear: Honey, cinnamon, ginger and allspice are just a few of the ingredients that make this dish so flavorfully rich. (via Taste)
3. Chickpea + Date: Here’s a first of many vegetarian options when you cook with such strong flavors and fresh ingredients. The chickpeas provide plenty of filling protein so you won’t go hungry. (via Vegetarian Times)
4. Chicken + Apricot: Mmm… can you taste the sweet apricot broth-y goodness already? (via All Day I Dream About Food)
5. Roasted Eggplant, Chickpea + Summer Vegetables: It would take us as long to name all the wonderful veggies in this dish as it would you to fly to Morocco. But the prep and stew time will make it well worth your while. (via The Bojon Gourmet)
6. Zucchini + Chickpea: The secret to this dish lies in the preserved lemon, Aleppo pepper and ras el hanout — a mix of North African spices. Don’t panic, you can create this mix with spices from your local grocery store or order it online. (via Herbivoracious)
7. Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato + Chickpea: Here’s comfort food like you’ve never experienced before — beautiful, delicious and different. Did we mention it’s also gluten-free? (via Katherine Martinelli)
8. Chicken, Almond, Apricot + Chickpea: Let’s discuss the flavor party that is these warm gooey apricots, crunchy almonds and sweet chicken. If you don’t have a tagine on hand, this one works just as well in a casserole dish. (via The Kitchn)
9. Spicy Shrimp: When available, Moroccan cuisine incorporates fish and shrimp, too. Your options are endless, but we are especially fond of this shrimp recipe. (via Food Republic)
10. Beef, Pumpkin + Date: This dish is simmered for an hour and 15 minutes, but the time period makes the dates, pumpkin and beef trade flavors and become one big, juicy pot of delicious. (via Taste)
11. Monkfish, Potatoes, Cherry Tomatoes + Black Olives: Meaty monkfish is a good companion for the sauce and soft vegetables. Those bright cherry tomatoes are reason enough to make this one for din tonight. (via Lakeland)
12. Lamb, Fig + Almond: Can you imagine showing up to a dinner party with this beautiful dish and this complex-looking meal inside? It’s a guaranteed hit. (via Taste)
13. Chicken With Preserved Lemons + Olives: This is a classic. Just add the proper spices, befriend your food processor and you’ll have an amazing meal. (via Relish)
14. Lamb, Pan-Fried Eggplant + Cumin Crunch: We promise these recipes will have you pleasantly surprised by your skills in the kitchen. And look how gorgeous it is! (via Jamie Oliver)
15. Kefta (Lamb Meatball + Egg): It doesn’t get more unique than this — delicious lamb meatballs, simmered onions and tomatoes, all topped with an egg and kalamata olives. (via Saveur)
Bonus: If you’re in the market for a tagine, this beautiful hand-painted one ($60) will work perfectly for all these new recipes you’ve got under your belt.
What other delicious combinations of spice, meat, fruit and vegetables have you cooked up to bring the distant Moroccan lands to your kitchen? Let us come along with a comment below!
Isara Krieger
Isara is a photographer who loves words, and a writer who sees the world as a series of photographs. She's an East-to-West-Coast transplant who eats a lot. You can find her foodie insights on her blog Alone With A Cupcake, where she shares her thoughts on the best restaurants in Boston, San Francisco and places in between.
