These 10 Moroccan appetizers are my latest obsession and they are seriously delicious. They strike that perfect balance between comfort food and show stopping elegance that I just cannot get enough of.
Easy and Delicious Moroccan Appetizers
I am so excited to share these 10 amazing Moroccan appetizers with you today. They bring the ultimate mix of rich spices and beautiful plant based ingredients to absolutely any party or small gathering.
1. Moroccan Pita (Batbout)
This authentic Moroccan pita bread is sometimes known as mkhamer or matlou, and it is truly exceptional.
You actually cook this dough directly on the stove rather than baking it in the oven. The heat makes it puff up into a giant pillowy pocket that practically begs to be stuffed with sandwich ingredients or dunked into a dip.
Try pairing it with your favorite zaalouk for a genuinely memorable treat that your guests will devour.
2. Moroccan Cigar
These crunchy rolled appetizers look exactly like cigars and are traditionally served at big Moroccan celebrations.
The savory filling typically features lamb or beef, but this brilliant version swaps in plant based Impossible Burger meat. It is a fantastic way to ensure even more of your guests can enjoy the feast.
They are every bit as delicious as the original and guaranteed to steal the show.
3. Moroccan Almond & Pistachio Briouat
If baklava is your thing, you are going to absolutely adore this sweet briouat.
It is a stunning phyllo pastry brushed with rich butter and stuffed with a beautiful nut filling infused with orange blossom water. The baked triangles actually get soaked in honey right out of the oven.
This impressive treat will completely wow your friends and family at your next get together.
4. Moroccan Cooked Eggplant Salad (Zaalouk)
Get ready to completely rethink your idea of a salad with this spectacular eggplant and tomato blend. It eats much more like a robust dip packed full of fresh herbs and savory spices.
The best part is that everything comes together right in a single pot without any need to grill or roast the eggplant first.
I highly recommend serving this beautiful plant based dish hot or cold alongside a big stack of warm pita bread.
5. Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup (Harira)
I find this robust tomato soup to be equally magnificent as a starter or a hearty main course. Traditional versions often feature meat, but this specific recipe uses lentils and chickpeas to keep things totally vegetarian.
The base is heavily flavored with lots of garlic, onions, and an absolutely mouth watering blend of spices.
Top your bowl with toasted almonds, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a generous dollop of yogurt.
6. Moroccan Potato Cakes (Maakouda)
These big potato cakes are basically guaranteed to impress your guests.
I love how you just mash the potatoes with fresh herbs, garlic, and an egg before giving them a quick flour dusting and a trip to the fryer. They come out beautifully crispy on the outside while staying perfectly soft and tender on the inside.
You definitely want to serve these beauties with a generous side of spicy harissa yogurt sauce for dipping.
7. Moroccan Chicken Pastilla
This incredibly savory North African stuffed pie is a massive favorite in Morocco.
The filling is loaded with chicken flavored with warming spices like cinnamon, cumin, and paprika. You also get a beautiful textural crunch from roasted almonds and a pop of freshness from chopped cilantro.
Traditional feuilles de briques dough works best if you can find it at an international market, but regular phyllo dough is a perfectly fine substitute.
8. Classic Moroccan Tomato Salad
You will want to memorize this incredibly simple tomato salad because it only takes ten minutes and less than ten ingredients to throw together.
It highlights big chunks of juicy tomatoes tossed with fresh parsley, cilantro, and crisp red onion. A quick dressing of olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin really allows those vibrant flavors to shine.
It is fresh, invigorating, and perfect for pretty much any meal.
9. Moroccan Fava Bean Soup (Bissara)
I know fava beans might sound a little plain, but they turn into pure magic when you blend them into this thick vegan soup.
It features bold spices like ginger, paprika, and cumin mixed with a whopping six cloves of garlic for maximum flavor. The resulting dish is unbelievably creamy and completely plant based.
You will absolutely want a big hunk of crusty bread to soak up every single drop of this sensational bowl.
10. Moroccan Kefta Kabobs
I am so in love with the out of this world flavor profile going on in these succulent beef kabobs.
They are heavily seasoned with turmeric, cumin, harissa, and three different types of fresh herbs. Throwing them on the grill gives the savory beef a perfectly charred exterior that mimics authentic Moroccan street food.
It is such a fun and incredibly tasty dish to share with your friends right at home.