If you love exotic and aromatic dishes, you will love Moroccan tagine with its mix of spices that are essential to use on every occassion. Don’t worry, though. If used in the right quantities and proportions, the spices enhance the flavors of your meal and will not take over.
Tagine is a traditional Moroccan stew that you can cook in a clay pot with a conical lid. The pot traps the steam and condenses it back into the dish, creating a moist and tender result. Tagines are very versatile and can be made with meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables. They are usually served with couscous or bread.
But what makes tagine so special is the use of spices which not only please an eye but take your culinary experience to the next leve.
Moroccan cuisine is famous for its rich and complex spice blends that add depth and flavor to every dish.
The essential spices to make an authentic Moroccan tagine are:
- Cumin: This earthy and nutty spice is one of the most popular spices in Morocco. It adds a warm and smoky touch to tagines, especially those with lamb or chicken.
- Coriander: This citrusy and floral spice complements cumin very well. It adds freshness and brightness to tagines, especially those with fish or vegetables.
- Ginger: This spicy and zesty spice is widely used in tagines, stews, and soups in Moroccan cuisine. It adds a kick and a tang to tagines, especially those with beef or lentils.
- Paprika: This sweet and mild spice adds color and sweetness to tagines. It enhances the flavor of tomatoes, peppers, and onions, which are common ingredients in tagines.
- Saffron: This precious and delicate spice adds a subtle floral and honey-like flavor to tagines. It also gives a beautiful golden hue to the dish. Saffron is especially used in chicken or seafood tagines.
- Turmeric: This bright and earthy spice adds a warm and bitter flavor to tagines. It also gives a vibrant yellow color to the dish. Turmeric is often used in vegetable or chickpea tagines.
- Cinnamon: This sweet and aromatic spice adds a hint of warmth and sweetness to tagines. It balances the savory and spicy flavors of the dish. Cinnamon is often used in fruit-based tagines, such as those with prunes, dates, or figs.
These are the essential spices to make an authentic Moroccan tagine, but you can also experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg, allspice, fennel, caraway, white pepper, or ras el hanout (a Moroccan spice mix).
Conclusion
The key to a good meal is to use good quality spices and toast them lightly before adding them to the pot. This will bring out their flavor and aroma.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your clay pot and your spices and make your own Moroccan tagine today. You will be amazed by how easy and delicious it is!
Check out the most popular brands of Moroccan tagines HERE.