Traditional dishes and street foods in Morocco

Traditional dishes and street foods in Morocco

These traditional homestyle dishes and street foods are appreciated by Moroccans as simple fare best enjoyed with family and close friends.

1. Ktefa - Milk Bastilla

This traditional dessert tops my list of comfort food. Crispy warqa pastry is layered with sweetened fried almonds and a custard sauce (creme anglaise) scented with orange flower water.

2. Couscous with Seven Vegetables

Any traditional steamed couscous dish qualifies as Moroccan comfort food, but this version is my family's favorite. Steamed couscous is piled high with stewed meat and vegetables – very delicious! You can omit the meat if you prefer to prepare a vegetarian couscous. See How to Steam Couscous if you've never used a couscoussier.

3. Moroccan Stewed Lentils

Zesty stewed lentils with or without meat are Moroccan comfort food at its best. Serve them as a side dish or entree. This vegetarian version of the recipe links to other versions made with either meat or khlea (khlii).

4. Stewed White Beans

Saucy and just spicy enough, these stewed white beans are extremely satisfying whether eaten with a spoon or scooped up the traditional way with crusty khobz.

5. Classic Harira Recipe

This zesty lentil, tomato and chickpea soup recipe was taught to me by my mother-in-law, who was renowned among family and friends for her superb cooking. It yields a delicious, hearty harira which can be served as a light supper. Although it's  especially popular in Ramadan, Moroccans enjoy it year-round and even serve it at breakfast.

6. Dchicha Soup with Cracked Wheat

Cracked wheat (dchicha dyal zraa') is used to make this easy, satisfying Moroccan soup. The measures below yield a somewhat peppery broth; reduce the ginger and pepper slightly for for a milder soup. Also try the porridge-like Dchicha Soup with Cracked Barley.

7. Kalinti (Karane)

Kalinti (also called karane or karantika, and garantita in Algeria) is a flan- or quiche-like dish made from chickpea flour and eggs. It's popular in the north of Morocco, where it's sold by the slice as a street food.

8. Bocadillo with Tuna

The word bocadillo is Spanish, but Moroccans also use it to describe a hoagie-style sandwich which is sold as a street food and widely available in sandwich shops. This version features a popular combo of tuna, olives, onions and boiled potatoes.

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