There is vegetarian food in Morocco, despite what most people think. For people who prefer a plant-based diet, this lively North African food has a lot of tasty and filling options. Morocco is a great place for vegetarians to explore, with dishes like fragrant tagines full of seasonal veggies, rich stews, and cool salads. Here are the top 10 dishes to try while traveling in Morocco:
1. Bissara (Fava Bean Soup)
This soup is a favorite for breakfast in Morocco because it is creamy and warm. Bissara is a great way to start the day or have a light lunch. It is made with fava beans, garlic, olive oil, and spicy spices like cumin and paprika. It is usually served with toasted bread to dip it in. It’s a simple but filling dish.
2. Zaalouk (Smoked Eggplant Salad)
This spicy and tasty salad is great for vegetarians. After being grilled or cooked until soft, eggplant is mixed with garlic, spices, lemon juice, tomatoes, and sometimes olive oil. The tangy tomatoes and spicy spices make the smoke of the eggplant taste just right. Zualouk is often eaten as a dip with bread or as part of a plate of mezze.
3. Loubia (White Bean Stew)
This rich stew is great for vegetarians. Soft white beans are cooked in a rich tomato sauce with olives, cumin, and other spices. Eating Loubia by itself or with bread for a complete meal is possible. A lot of people eat this food during Ramadan, and it’s a great way to taste the familiar flavors of Moroccan home cooking.
4. Vegetarian Tagine
If you want to learn more about Moroccan food, you have to try a tagine. Traditionally, this famous dish is cooked in a cone-shaped clay pot with layers of veggies simmering in a fragrant soup with spices. There are a lot of choices for vegetarians. Enjoy a tagine with different veggies that are in season, like pumpkin, zucchini, beans, and carrots. For a little tang, don’t forget to add some preserved lemons!
5. Pastilla (Vegetable Pastilla)
The traditional Pastilla has pigeon or chicken in it, but this vegetarian version tastes just as good. There is a delicious center of sautéed onions, spices, and your choice of veggies inside a flaky pastry crust. Carrots, zucchini, peas, and even almonds can be used to add a sweet and spicy difference. Pastilla is a dish that you only eat on special occasions. It’s also a unique way to experience Morocco’s long history of pastries.
6. Vegetable Couscous
You have to try this famous Moroccan dish, even if you’re not a vegetarian. Unlike its meat-filled cousin, vegetarian couscous is made with a colorful mix of steamed veggies like beans, zucchini, squash, and carrots. Warmth comes from fragrant spices like cumin, turmeric, and ginger. Often, sultanas or raisins are added for a bit of sweetness. Vegetarian couscous is a light but filling food that is great for lunch or dinner. It is topped with fresh herbs like mint and parsley.
7. Taktouka (Spicy Tomato and Pepper Salad)
You can eat this colorful salad as a starter or as a side dish. Spices like cumin and paprika are cooked with chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic to make a tasty and slightly spicy dish. You can eat Takouka warm or at room temperature, but it’s best with toasted bread to scoop it up.
8. Msemen (Flatbread with Amlou)
This soft flatbread is a common food in Morocco. The usual way to eat it is with butter and honey, but vegetarians can enjoy it with Amlou, a tasty spread made of argan oil, honey, and roasted almonds. You can eat Msemen as a quick snack or for breakfast on the go.
9. Selouka (Moroccan Salad with Carrots and Olives)
This colorful salad has a lot of different tastes and textures. It has shredded carrots, chopped olives, chopped tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It has a simple sauce with cumin and pepper in it. Selouka is a cool side dish or starter that lets you try a lot of different tastes from Moroccan food.
10. Briouats (Vegetable Spring Rolls)
People in Morocco love to eat these savory pastries on the street. Potatoes, carrots, and peas are mixed with spices and put inside thin pieces of filo dough. After that, the Briouats are either deep-fried or cooked until they are crispy and golden brown. They are usually served with a lemon wedge or a dipping sauce like harissa.
Summary
For vegans, Morocco’s food scene is a dream come true, full of fresh tastes, bright colors, and fragrant spices. You can try a lot of different kinds of vegetarian food in Morocco, from hearty stews to fresh salads and tasty sweets. Don’t think that Moroccan food is mostly meat-based; instead, enjoy the many tasty plant-based options that are just waiting to be found.
Are you ready to start your trip with vegetarian Moroccan food? With this list as a help, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the wide range of delicious Moroccan vegetarian food.
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