10+ Moroccan Recipes Vegetarian: Delicious Dishes for Every Occasion

Moroccan cuisine offers a rich variety of flavors, colors, and ingredients that make it a delight for everyone. Vegetarian recipes from Morocco showcase the country’s ability to create delicious dishes without meat, using fresh vegetables, legumes, and spices. Whether you are looking to try something new or want to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Exploring Moroccan vegetarian recipes not only introduces you to unique culinary traditions but also emphasizes healthy eating.

With options ranging from hearty tagines to vibrant salads, you can find plenty of choices that are both nourishing and delicious. Embrace the warmth of North African flavors while enjoying meals that are mindful of your dietary preferences.

Moroccan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

This Moroccan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew is warm and full of flavor. You’ll love the mix of spices that make this dish special. Think cumin, coriander, and a hint of cinnamon.

Start by sautéing onion and garlic until they are soft. Then, add the sweet potatoes and chickpeas.

Next, pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth for a hearty base.

Don’t forget to season it well! Add smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne for some heat. Simmer everything together until the sweet potatoes are tender.

The flavors will mingle beautifully, creating a comforting meal. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 sweet potatoes
• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until soft.
2. Add sweet potatoes and chickpeas.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
4. Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for about 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.

2) Harira Soup

Harira soup is a traditional Moroccan dish that’s perfect for vegetarians. It’s a hearty and flavorful soup made with a mix of fresh vegetables and spices. You can enjoy it as a meal or a starter.

This soup is often enjoyed during Ramadan but is great any time of the year. The combination of lentils, tomatoes, and spices makes it both nutritious and filling.

You can customize Harira to fit your taste. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices for a unique twist.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 3 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes, lentils, and vegetable broth.
5. Mix in cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

3) Zaalouk (Eggplant Salad)

Zaalouk is a delicious Moroccan dish that highlights eggplants and tomatoes. This warm salad is packed with flavor and can be enjoyed as a dip or side. You will love its vibrant taste, enhanced by garlic, cumin, and paprika.

To prepare Zaalouk, you will need fresh eggplants and ripe tomatoes. These ingredients blend beautifully with herbs like parsley and cilantro. The dish can be served hot or cold, making it a perfect option for any meal.

Zaalouk pairs well with Moroccan bread, known as khobz. You can also enjoy it with grilled meats or as part of a veggie platter.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 large tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley and cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the eggplants into cubes and salt them. Let them sit for 20 minutes.
2. Rinse and dry eggplant.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add garlic, then eggplant, and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and spices. Cook for 15-20 minutes until soft.
6. Mash to desired consistency and garnish with herbs before serving.

4) Vegetable Tagine with Preserved Lemon

Vegetable tagine with preserved lemon is a delightful Moroccan dish that bursts with flavor. The combination of fresh vegetables and preserved lemons creates a unique taste that is both tangy and aromatic.

To make this dish, you’ll need ingredients like carrots, zucchini, chickpeas, and, of course, preserved lemons. These ingredients are cooked together slowly to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.

You can serve this tagine over couscous or with crusty bread. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress guests.

Ingredients

• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 preserved lemon, rinsed and cut into strips
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Olive oil
• Spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in carrots and zucchini; cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Add chickpeas, preserved lemon, spices, and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 30 minutes.

5) Moroccan Lentil Salad

Moroccan Lentil Salad is a tasty and healthy dish that’s easy to prepare. This salad packs a punch with flavors from Moroccan spices, fresh herbs, and crunchy veggies. You will love the mix of textures and taste.

To start, cook your lentils until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Then, drain them and let them cool.

Mix the lentils with red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, and cilantro for that fresh flavor.

You can add a tangy lemon dressing to tie it all together. The result is a colorful, nutritious salad that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free!

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil lentils in water for 15-20 minutes until tender.
2. Drain lentils and let cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine lentils, onion, bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, and cilantro.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Enjoy!

6) Stuffed Bell Peppers with Couscous

Stuffed bell peppers with couscous are a delicious and colorful dish. They are perfect for a healthy meal and are easy to make. You can use any color of bell pepper you like.

To prepare, start by cooking the couscous according to the package instructions. Mix in some raisins, chickpeas, and spices like cumin and coriander for flavor. This adds warmth and depth to your filling.

Next, hollow out the bell peppers. You can roast them for a softer texture.

Once the peppers are ready, fill them generously with the couscous mixture. You can also top them with cheese if desired.

Bake the stuffed peppers at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. They should be tender but still hold their shape. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired dish with a fresh salad on the side.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cheese for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the couscous according to package instructions.
3. Mix couscous with chickpeas, raisins, and spices.
4. Hollow out the bell peppers.
5. Fill each pepper with the couscous mixture.
6. Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

7) Carrot and Orange Salad

This Moroccan Carrot and Orange Salad is fresh and vibrant. It combines the sweetness of oranges with the crunch of carrots. This dish is quick to make and can be served as a starter or side.

To prepare, you will need grated carrots and segments of juicy oranges. Adding some fresh herbs enhances the flavor. You might also include cinnamon and a bit of olive oil to round out the tastes.

With just a few ingredients, this salad becomes a delightful addition to your meal. It’s refreshing and light, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 5 large carrots, grated
• 3 oranges, peeled and segmented
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Fresh herbs, like parsley or mint

Cooking Instructions

1. Grate the carrots and place them in a large bowl.
2. Peel and segment the oranges, then add them to the bowl.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon.
4. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your healthy salad!

8) Spiced Roasted Vegetables

Spiced roasted vegetables are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a vegetarian meal. You can use a mix of your favorite veggies like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and carrots. The colorful combination makes the dish appealing.

Start by tossing your veggies in olive oil and your choice of spices. Some popular spices include cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. This will give them a warm, rich flavor.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the veggies on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for about 30-40 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

Serve these tasty vegetables on their own or as a side dish with grains like quinoa or couscous.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the vegetables as directed.
3. Toss the veggies with olive oil and spices in a large bowl.
4. Spread them on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through.

9) Moroccan Spiced Vegetable Kebabs

Moroccan spiced vegetable kebabs are a tasty and colorful dish. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. You can use a variety of vegetables for this recipe.

Common choices include bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and red onions. These vegetables soak up the spices and become deliciously tender when grilled. A harissa marinade adds a nice kick to the veggies.

To get started, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.

Afterward, thread the prepared vegetables onto the skewers.

Grill your kebabs over medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C) for about 15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

These kebabs are perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy them with flatbreads or a fresh salad!

Ingredients

• 2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 8 cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the vegetables and place them in a bowl.
3. Mix harissa paste, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the marinade over the vegetables.
5. Thread the vegetables onto the skewers.
6. Grill over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
7. Serve with flatbreads or salad.

10) Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup

Pumpkin and sweet potato soup is a warm, comforting dish. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a perfect meal for any day.

To start, you will need pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, and vegetable stock. Adding spices such as cumin and cinnamon brings out the Moroccan taste.

Begin by cooking the chopped vegetables in olive oil for a few minutes.

Next, add your vegetable stock and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the veggies are tender.

For a smooth finish, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin, diced
• 1 cup sweet potato, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add pumpkin, sweet potato, and carrot. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Blend until smooth.
6. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Enjoy!