8 Best Moroccan Side Dishes You’ll Love

Finding authentic Moroccan side dishes to serve with my Moroccan chicken was not as easy as I thought it would be.

I scoured the internet and local grocery stores, but most of the side dishes were either not very authentic or not very tasty.

That is until I stumbled upon a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant near my house.

The restaurant is owned and operated by a Moroccan family, and they make the most delicious food I have ever tasted.

The first time I went there, I ordered chicken with rice and beans. It was so good that I went back the next week and ordered the same thing. But this time, I asked the owner for some recommendations on side dishes. And I’ve noted down his recommendations in this article. These dishes are perfect for bringing out the best in your chicken dish. So get ready to spice up your dinner table tonight!

Best Moroccan Side Dishes

1. Eggplant salad (Zaalouk)
2. Potato cakes (Maakouda)
3. Chickpea and carrot salad
4. Moroccan bread (Khobz)
5. Tomato salad
6. Roasted carrots
7. Couscous
8. Vegetable salad

Eggplant salad (Zaalouk)

Eggplant salad, or Zaalouk, is a popular dish in Morocco that makes an excellent side dish for chicken. The eggplant is roasted and then combined with tomatoes, garlic, and a variety of vibrant spices. The result is a super flavorful and bold salad that pairs well with the rich flavors of Moroccan chicken.

Eggplant salad is also a great way to add some color and nutrition to your plate. Eggplants are a good source of fiber and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to any meal. So if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany your Moroccan chicken, Eggplant salad is a perfect choice.

Potato cakes (Maakouda)

Potato cakes, or maakouda as they are called in Morocco, are a traditional street food that makes an excellent side dish for Moroccan chicken. These seasoned patties are typically made with potatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, and then deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy cake that is bursting with flavor.

Potato cakes can be eaten on their own or dipped in a variety of sauces. In addition, they can be served warm or cold. No matter how you enjoy them, potato cakes are sure to add some excitement to your next meal. They can be found at most Moroccan restaurants or can be easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Chickpea and carrot salad

Chickpea and carrot salad is a perfect summer side dish. It’s light, sweet, and bright, and it goes well with a variety of main dishes. I like to pair it with Moroccan chicken because the flavors complement each other perfectly.

The dressing for this salad is simple and light, made with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. I like to add a bit of cumin to the dressing, which goes well with the spice of the chicken. Chickpea and carrot salad is a healthy and flavorful way to round out any meal.

Moroccan bread (Khobz)

Moroccan bread, also known as khobz, is a robust, thick bread that is often split open and stuffed with various fillings. Unlike other types of bread, Moroccan bread is not typically eaten on its own. Instead, it is usually served as a side dish, alongside a variety of other dishes.

One of the reasons Moroccan bread goes so well with Moroccan chicken is that it can help to absorb some of the chicken’s juices, making each bite even more flavorful. Moroccan bread is also hearty enough to stand up to the bold spices used in Moroccan cuisine. As a result, it makes an ideal companion for Moroccan chicken or any other robustly-flavored dish.

Tomato salad

Tomato salad is the perfect side dish for Moroccan chicken. The bright acidity of the tomatoes helps to balance out the spiciness of the chicken, and the fresh herbs add a light and aromatic flavor.

I like to use cherry tomatoes in my salad, as they are sweet and juicy. I also add plenty of parsley, as it goes so well with tomatoes. To finish, I drizzle olive oil and add a little onion for sweetness and crunch.

Tomato salad is a simple but effective dish that complements Moroccan chicken perfectly. Give it a try next time you’re looking for a new side dish!

Roasted carrots

Roasted carrots are a delicious and easy side dish that goes well with Moroccan chicken. To caramelize the carrots, simply toss them in a bit of olive oil and roast in a 400F oven for about 20-25 minutes. The carrots will take on a beautiful golden color and become slightly sweet and tender.

To give them a bit of zing, I like to dress them with a simple dressing made of orange juice, cumin, cinnamon, and chili flakes. The acidity from the orange juice helps balance the chicken’s richness, while the cumin, cinnamon, and chili add just the right amount of spice.

Roasted carrots are a perfect side dish for Moroccan chicken and can be easily adapted to fit your own personal taste.

Couscous

Couscous is a light, tasty, and filling side dish that goes well with Moroccan chicken. There are different recipes for couscous, so you can customize it how you want.

For instance, I like to make mine with couscous, pine nuts, broth, and a few extras. The couscous soaks up the flavors of the broth, while the pine nuts add a crunchy texture. The extras can include anything from raisins to carrots to chickpeas.

Couscous is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. You can add more or less of any ingredient to suit your taste.

Vegetable salad

Moroccan chicken is a flavorful and hearty dish, but it can also be quite heavy. To balance out the meal, I like to serve a chilled vegetable salad as a side dish.

The salad is made with layered slices of potato, cucumber, and pepper and tossed in a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to brighten up the flavors of the chicken, and the chilled temperature provides a nice contrast to the warm Moroccan spices.

Together, these elements create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular Moroccan dishes?

Some popular Moroccan dishes include chicken tagine, beef mechoui, and lamb couscous. These dishes are all packed with flavor, and they are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

What spices are used to make Moroccan chicken?

Moroccan chicken is typically seasoned with a blend of warming spices, such as cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and paprika. These spices help to create the characteristic flavor of Moroccan chicken.

Is tagine cooking healthy?

The answer is complicated. While tagine cooking is often seen as a healthy way to cook, this largely depends on the ingredients that are used. If you use fatty cuts of meat and lots of added oil, then the dish can be quite unhealthy. However, if you use lean meats and relatively little oil, then tagine cooking can be a healthy way to cook. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how healthy you want your tagine cooking to be.

Conclusion

I’ve listed some of my favorite Moroccan side dishes that the owner recommended, and I’m sure they will complement your meal. From salads and roasted vegetables to couscous and potatoes, there’s something for everyone here.

Give these side dishes a try the next time you make Moroccan chicken. I’m sure you’ll be glad you did!