Moroccan cuisine makes good use of Morocco's indigenous almonds. These traditional Moroccan recipes all call for fried almonds as either a garnish or ingredient. See How to Blanch, Peel and Fry Almonds if you're not familiar with frying almonds.
1. Ktefa - Milk Bastilla
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Ktefa is a traditional Moroccan dessert made by layering crispy warqa pastry with sweetened fried almonds and custard sauce (creme anglaise) scented with orange flower water.
2. Mrouzia - Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Raisins, Almonds and Honey
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Mrouzia – sometimes spelled M'rouzia – is a sweet and spicy Moroccan tagine traditionally prepared for special occasions or in the days following Eid Al Adha, or Eid Al Kabir. The almonds can either be stewed or fried.
3. Almond Briouats
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
These popular Moroccan cookies are made by folding almond paste flavored with orange flower water and cinnamon within warqa dough. The pastries are fried and then soaked briefly in honey.
4. Couscous Tfaya - Couscous with Caramelized Onions and Raisins
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Use either chicken or lamb in this Moroccan recipe for Couscous Tfaya. Tfaya refers to the sweet and spicy caramelized onions and raisins served with this dish. Some versions include chick peas.
5. Tagine of Chicken with Tomatoes and Honey
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Cinnamon and honey are surprisingly delicious additions to this Moroccan tagine of chicken and tomatoes. A garnish of toasted sesame seeds and fried almonds add nutty contrast.
6. Seffa Medfouna
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Seffa Medfouna is a famous Moroccan dish which features saffron chicken, lamb or beef hidden within a dome of steamed couscous or broken vermicelli (chaariya). The couscous or vermicelli is sweetened with raisins, butter and powdered sugar and decorated with ground fried almonds, cinnamon and additional powdered sugar.
7. Chicken Bastilla
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Chicken Bastilla is Morocco's famous chicken pie. A light, crispy pastry shell conceals savory saffron chicken, spicy omelet stuffing, and crunchy topping of fried almonds sweetened and flavored with orange flower water. A garnish of powdered sugar and cinnamon adds to the fabulous blend of flavors.
8. Tagine of Meat and Prunes
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Beef or lamb with prunes is a classic Moroccan dish that combines sweet prunes and meat with the fragrant spices of ginger, saffron, cinnamon and pepper. It's often served at holiday gatherings, weddings and other special occasions with crusty bread for scooping up the meat and sauce.
9. Sellou
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Sellou is a unique Moroccan sweet made from sesames, fried almonds and flour that has been browned in the oven. Packed with calories and nutrients, it's traditionally served during Ramadan and after childbirth, when there's greater need to restore energy and maintain good health. It might also be served at Eid, weddings and other special occasions.
10. Lamb or Beef Tagine with Apricots
Delicious and easy to make, this classic Moroccan recipe combines dried apricots and meat stewed with saffron, cinnamon, ginger and pepper. Fried almonds are scattered over the tagine as a garnish.
11. Lamb or Beef Tagine with Dates
This easy Moroccan tagine features meat cooked until tender with saffron, ginger and pepper, and then topped by soft dates in a cinnamon-flavored syrup. Sesame seeds and fried almonds are traditional garnishes.
