Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Moroccan Cuisine: A Delicious Surprise

Moroccan food is one of my favorite cuisines in the world (right next to Middle Eastern food!). Since moving to Morocco from Poland, I've fallen head over heels for the rich flavors and diverse dishes this country has to offer. I find myself constantly experimenting in my kitchen, whipping up Moroccan soups, tagines, and other delightful concoctions. One of the things I love most about living here is the abundance of fresh vegetables available year-round. It's a paradise for anyone looking to eat healthy, whether you're a dedicated carnivore or a veggie enthusiast.

What inspired me to write this article was a visit from my vegan friend last year. Before arriving, she jokingly said she was preparing herself for a week of bread and olives. Little did she know she was in for a pleasant surprise! Watching her eyes light up as she discovered the variety of vegan-friendly options available in Morocco was a joy. Her experience made me realize that many visitors might not be aware of the veggie treasures hiding in Moroccan cuisine.

So, whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or just someone looking to explore the plant-based side of Moroccan food, buckle up! I'm about to take you on a mouthwatering journey through the veggie-friendly delights of Moroccan cuisine. Trust me, by the end of this, you'll be booking your ticket to Morocco faster than you can say "Pass the tagine, please!"

The Berber Tagine: A Colorful Flavor Explosion

First things first – if you haven't tried a Berber tagine yet, you're missing out on a flavor party in your mouth! Picture this: a slow-cooked bouquet of colorful vegetables with a beautiful mix of spices and herbs. The result? A delicious, low-cost dish that's as satisfying as it is healthy.

Let me share a little secret: the magic lies in the spice mix. We're talking a harmonious blend of paprika, coriander, turmeric, and ginger. Add some garlic, fresh parsley, and cilantro, and you've got yourself a fragrant masterpiece that'll make your kitchen smell like a Moroccan bazaar.

Now, let's talk veggies. The Berber tagine is a veggie lover's dream! It typically includes potatoes, turnips, cauliflower, bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and a handful of green peas. Oh, and don't forget the olives – they add a perfect salty punch to balance out the flavors.

Vegetarian Couscous: A Colorful Feast

Vegetarian couscous is a rainbow on a plate. Picture this: fluffy semolina topped with a medley of carrots, courgettes, pumpkin, parsnips, and turnips. Throw in some chickpeas and a tomato for good measure. The magic comes from the spices - turmeric, black pepper, and ginger dance together in perfect harmony. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and coriander, and voila! You've got yourself a feast fit for a Moroccan king (or queen)!

Moroccan Lentils: The Unsung Hero

Oh, lentils, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! In Morocco, lentils are a Saturday staple, often served with a side of freshly fried sardines (which, of course, my vegan friend skipped). But trust me, these lentils don't need any sidekicks to shine.

Flavored with cumin, paprika, and a hint of chili, Moroccan lentils are a flavor bomb in a bowl. They're nutritious, gluten-free, and vegan. Plus, they're so budget-friendly, I sometimes wonder if I'm stealing when I buy the ingredients!

Tektouka: The Dish That'll Make You Say "Shak-who-ka?"

Move over, shakshuka! There's a new kid on the block. Tektouka is like shakshuka's cooler Moroccan cousin. It's a savory symphony of tomatoes and peppers, jazzed up with garlic and a blend of spices that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Zaalouk: The Eggplant Dish That'll Make You Weak in the Knees

Zaalouk, oh zaalouk! This smoky eggplant salad is the stuff of dreams. Grilled eggplants are mashed and mixed with soft, sweet tomatoes, then spiced with garlic, cumin, and paprika. Some brave souls add a touch of chili - I say, bring on the heat!

I love serving zaalouk at room temperature with a side of bread. It's the perfect start to a meal or a delicious snack when those mid-afternoon munchies hit.

Juices & Smoothies: A Fruity Interlude

Need a break from all the savory goodness? Morocco's got you covered with its amazing selection of juices and smoothies. My personal favorite? An avocado smoothie with dried fruits. It's like a dessert in a glass, but hey, it's healthy, right?You can read more about Moroccan drinks in this article.

Bissara: The Soup That Eats Like a Meal

Bissara is proof that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the best. This hearty soup made from green split peas (or fava beans) is a winter favorite in Morocco. Flavored with olive oil, garlic, and cumin, it's so filling that it's often eaten for breakfast!

Berber Omelette: A Taste of the Atlas Mountains

Just when you think you've tasted it all, along comes the Berber Omelette to blow your mind! This lightly spiced dish from the foothills of the Atlas Mountains has become one of my absolute favorites. It's a perfect blend of eggs and vegetables, with a kick of spice that'll wake up your taste buds.

Picture this: fluffy eggs mingling with juicy tomatoes, crisp peppers, and aromatic onions. But the real magic? It's in the spices. Cumin, paprika, turmeric, and a hint of ginger come together to create a flavor profile that's uniquely Moroccan. And let's not forget the fresh coriander and green chillies that add a pop of color and a zing of freshness.

Vegan Moroccan Appetizers: Small Dishes, Big Flavors

In Morocco, appetizers are more than just starters - they're a way of life! Here are a few vegan options that'll make you forget all about the main course:

1. Carrots with Harissa: Boiled carrots get a spicy makeover with garlic, paprika, cumin, and a kick of harissa. It's sweet, it's spicy, it's everything nice-y!
2. Potatoes with Preserved Lemons: This dish is proof that potatoes can be exciting. Boiled potatoes are jazzed up with preserved lemons, coriander, paprika, cumin, and turmeric. It's a flavor explosion in every bite!
3. Spinach with Olives: Baby spinach gets the royal treatment with garlic, preserved lemons, and a medley of spices. Throw in some green olives, and you've got yourself a dish that Popeye would approve of!

Vegan-Friendly Street Food? You Bet!

Wandering through the bustling streets of Morocco, I've discovered some surprisingly vegan-friendly options that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. Let me introduce you to two of my absolute favorites:

Mssemen: The Filled Pancake of Your Dreams

Picture this: you're strolling through a Moroccan market, the air filled with the scent of spices, when suddenly, you catch a whiff of something heavenly. That, my friends, is likely the aroma of Mssemen being freshly made.

Mssemen are incredibly soft pancakes filled with a medley of veggies and spices. They're like little pockets of joy, each bite bursting with flavor. The best part? They're often vegan-friendly! (But always double-check to be sure.)

I still remember the first time I tried Mssemen. I was feeling a bit homesick, craving something comforting. One bite of this filled pancake, and suddenly, I felt right at home in Morocco. It's like a warm, spicy hug for your taste buds!

Pro tip: Mssemen are traditionally served with Moroccan mint tea. Trust me, it's a combo that'll make you want to do a happy dance right there on the street!

Baghrir: The Pancake with a Thousand Holes

Now, let me introduce you to Baghrir, the pancake that'll make you forget all about your regular Sunday morning flapjacks. These Moroccan pancakes are a sight to behold – their surface is covered in tiny little craters that make them look almost like a sponge.

But here's the magic: those little holes? They're not just for show. They're nature's perfect sauce catchers! Whether you're drizzling them with melted butter, honey, or both (go on, live a little!), those craters ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.

The Sweet Finish: Vegan Desserts

Think being vegan means missing out on Moroccan sweets? Think again! Morocco has a treasure trove of vegan-friendly desserts that'll make your sweet tooth sing. Let me introduce you to some of my favorites:

M'Hanncha: The Snake That'll Charm Your Taste Buds

First up, we have M'Hanncha, which literally means "snake" in Arabic. Don't worry, though – the only thing scary about this dessert is how addictive it is!

Picture this: a long strip of pastry filled with fragrant almond paste, carefully coiled to look like a sleeping snake, then drenched in honey syrup. It's a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The first time I saw M'Hanncha at a Moroccan wedding, I thought it was too beautiful to eat. But one bite, and oh boy, was I glad I didn't just admire it from afar!

Sellou: The Power-Packed Sweet

Next on our vegan dessert tour is Sellou. This isn't just any dessert – it's a powerhouse of nutrients disguised as a treat! Made with almonds, sesame seeds, brown sugar, olive oil, honey, and a medley of spices including nutmeg, cinnamon, and anise, Sellou is often eaten during Ramadan to provide energy.

I like to think of Sellou as the Moroccan version of energy balls. It's sweet, it's nutty, and it's absolutely irresistible. Fair warning: it's dangerously easy to keep reaching for "just one more bite"!

Almond Briouat: The Triangle of Joy

Ah, Briouat! These little triangles of joy are a staple at every Moroccan celebration, and for good reason. Imagine crispy warka pastry wrapped around a luscious almond paste, fried to golden perfection, then generously dipped in honey. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine certainly is!

I still remember my first Ramadan in Morocco, when my neighbor brought over a plate of freshly made Briouat. The way the honey dripped off the crispy pastry... let's just say it was a quasi-religious experience!

Chebakia: The Flower of Festivities

Last but certainly not least, we have Chebakia. These flower-shaped cookies are a fixture during Ramadan and special occasions. They're a symphony of flavors – honey, sesame, cinnamon, saffron, anise, and orange flower water all come together in sticky-sweet harmony.

The best part about these desserts? They're often naturally vegan! However, as always, it's a good idea to double-check ingredients when buying from shops or restaurants, as preparation methods can vary.

A Word on Dining Out

Now, a word of caution from your friendly neighborhood expat: while these dishes are traditionally vegetarian or vegan, always double-check when dining out. Some places might add meat for extra flavor. Don't be shy to ask – in my experience, Moroccans are always happy to accommodate dietary preferences.

Living in Morocco has been an incredible culinary adventure. From bustling market stalls to home-cooked meals shared with friends, I've discovered a world of vegetarian and vegan options that never cease to amaze me.

So, to my fellow veggie enthusiasts planning a trip to Morocco: fear not! Your taste buds are in for a treat. And for those meat-lovers out there? Give these dishes a try. You might just find yourself going back for seconds... and thirds!

Have you tried any of these vegetarian Moroccan dishes? Or do you have a favorite I didn't mention? Drop a comment below – I'd love to hear about your experiences and maybe discover some new veggie delights!

Useful Tips That Nobody Will Tell You About!

Before we wrap up, let me share some insider tips that'll make your veggie adventure in Morocco even more delightful:

• If you're in Marrakech, you should definitely try Marrakech Food Tours by Amanda. She's a blogger too, and an American friend of mine. Together with her husband, she organizes the most authentic food tours in the city. If you ask her, I'm sure that she will give you a vegan tour too!
• Nargisse, a Moroccan blogger based in London, shares her recipes on her My Moroccan Food blog. Here's the vegetarian section that you may find useful.
• If you wonder where to eat good food in Casablanca and other cities, read my previous foodie articles.

These resources have been lifesavers for me, and I'm sure they'll add an extra layer of deliciousness to your Moroccan adventure!

Until next time, b'saha!