Did you know that Moroccan cookouts often include tagines? That's because these classic dishes can conveniently be prepped at home in a traditional clay or ceramic tagine, then placed atop a portable grill for slow-cooking while the family relaxes and enjoys the great outdoors.
If outdoor tagine cooking appeals to you, look for inspiration in my list of Summer Tagine Recipes. If you'd rather more conventional cookout fare, browse the Moroccan grill and picnic recipes below.
1. Lamb or Beef Brochettes
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Although you can simply season the meat with salt and pepper, the more traditional way to prepare these meat kebabs is to add paprika and cumin to the parsley and onion marinade. Easy and delicious! Beef filet or leg of lamb will yield the most tender results.
2. Kefta Kebabs
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
3. Chicken or Turkey Breast Kebabs
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
The photo shows the meat cubed and threaded onto skewers, but for quicker grilling you can leave the chicken or turkey breast in large filets and use a grill basket. Serve the kebabs as-is, or offer them as a sandwich filler.
4. Grilled Lamb Chops
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Moroccan spices, garlic and fresh herbs give lots of flavor to these zesty lamb chops. Leave the lamb chops to marinate over night for best results.
5. Grilled Merguez Sausage
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Morocco's delicious merguez sausages are a quick, easy grilling choice for days when you don't want to fuss with marinades and spice rubs. If you don't live in Morocco where you can buy the sausage, this recipe will show you how to prep them ahead of time to have ready in your fridge or freezer.
6. Chicken or Turkey Breast with Merguez Spices
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
I like to use merguez seasoning in a marinade for chicken or turkey breasts. Prepared this way, they're particularly good in sandwiches with other fillers of your choice.
7. Moroccan Style Hamburgers
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Perk up the quintessential backyard cookout food with Moroccan spices. If you're feeling especially ambitious, serve the Moroccan style hamburgers on homemade sandwich rolls.
8. Moroccan Style Chicken Shawarma
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Chicken shawarmas make perfect picnic food, whether you completely cook and prep the sandwiches ahead of time, or simply bring all the fixings along to grill and assemble on the spot. Lemon juice, garlic, yogurt and aromatic spices are all part of the tangy flavor.
9. Tuna Bocadillos
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
If it's too hot to grill or you don't want to worry about cooking when you head outdoors, consider making up these classic Moroccan sandwiches to take along on your picnic. Tuna, olives, potatoes and more go into these satisfying Spanish-influenced sandwiches. Use baguettes or any bread of your choice.
10. Hard Boiled Egg Sandwich
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Skip the luncheon meats and head outside with these hard-boiled egg sandwiches instead. Quick and easy to throw together, they're one of the many street foods you'll see sold by vendors in Morocco.
