Looking for ideas of what to serve at a traditional Moroccan iftar, or breaking of the fast? The recipes here are all popular during the month of Ramadan. Dates, hard-boiled eggs, fruit juices or milk shakes, and a soup such as harira are often on the table daily.
Chebakia
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Harira
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Stuffed Dates
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Orange flower water and cinnamon are used to flavor the almond paste filling in this easy stuffed dates recipe. If you prefer, you can replace the orange flower water with lemon zest.
Makrout with Dates and Honey
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
This is another special occasion sweet which is popular in Ramadan. A mild date paste is enclosed in a log of semolina dough, then cookies are sliced, fried and dipped in honey.
Hssoua Belboua - Barley Soup with Milk
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Semolina Soup with Milk, Anise Seeds and Honey
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Moroccan Sellou
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
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. Almond Briouats are commonly served at both special occasions and casual tea times.
Cheese Briouats
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
This simple but incredibly tasty version of briouats features a melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese filling. Herbs or hot peppers can be added for more flavor, but my family loves them plain.
Petit Pain au Chocolat
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
These French pastries are popular in Morocco, and made by wrapping bittersweet chocolate in croissant pastry dough. Although widely available at bakeries, the very best are homemade. They can be frozen and reheated in the oven at serving time.
