Must-try snacks in Morocco
What's the story
Moroccan cuisine is famous for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients. While most of us are acquainted with its main dishes, the snacks tend to go unexplored, particularly by vegetarians. These bites give a taste of Morocco's rich culinary heritage without making you compromise on vegetarianism. From sweet to savory, these delights offer an authentic experience of Moroccan culture through food. Here are some must-try vegetarian snacks that highlight Morocco's vibrant flavors.
Dish 1
Zaalouk: A flavorful eggplant dip
Zaalouk is a popular Moroccan dip prepared with eggplants and tomatoes, flavored with garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin and paprika. This dish is usually served as a side/appetizer and goes perfectly with bread or crackers. The smoky flavor comes from roasting the eggplants before mashing them to a smooth consistency. Zaalouk is a delightful mix of textures and flavors which makes it a must-have snack for any vegetarian exploring Moroccan cuisine.
Dish 2
Maakouda: Crispy potato fritters
These small potato fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Maakouda is made by mashing the potatoes with turmeric, cumin, and coriander, and frying them to golden perfection. Eaten as street food in Morocco, they can be enjoyed on their own, or in sandwiches. Maakouda provides a satisfying crunch and aromatic spices, which is a treat for both locals and visitors.
Dish 3
Harira soup: A hearty lentil delight
Traditionally, harira is a soup eaten during Ramadan, but its hearty nature has made it popular throughout the year. This lentil-based soup comprises chickpeas, tomatoes, celery, onions, herbs (like cilantro and parsley) and warming spices (like cinnamon and ginger). Although there are variations across regions in Morocco itself, vegetarian versions skip meat, but include everything delicious, making it ideal for plant-based seekers.
Dish 4
Chebakia: Sweet sesame cookies
Chebakia are sweet sesame cookies, meticulously designed and fried to golden perfection. They're then soaked in honey syrup mixed with orange blossom water, imparting a unique North African fragrance. Their texture is chewy but crisp, providing a pleasant contrast. Each bite unveils hints of aniseed and fennel seeds, intensifying the sweetness and rendering chebakia an absolute must-have with mint tea.