Grab your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy cooking up these Moroccan-inspired dishes that’ll turn any solo dinner into a celebration.
Marrakech – If you’re living solo and always running out of time, cooking can feel like one more thing on your never-ending to-do list.
But what if I told you it doesn’t have to be that way? You can still enjoy delicious, flavorful meals with minimal effort.
These three Moroccan recipes — zaalouk, taktouka, and chicken tagine — are perfect for anyone who lives alone and is short on time, yet wants a taste of something special.
Ready to transform your solo dining? Let’s dive in.
Zaalouk
Zaalouk is a classic Moroccan dish that’s as easy as it is flavorful. Think of it as a smoky, spiced eggplant and tomato dip that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or even as a side for your main course.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 eggplants, peeled and cut into small cubes
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
In a pan, heat a bit of olive oil and sauté the garlic for about a minute until fragrant.
Add the eggplant cubes and cook until they start to soften (about 5-7 minutes).
Toss in the tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything cook down until it becomes soft and saucy, about 15 minutes.
Once the mixture is nice and tender, mash it up a bit with a fork or potato masher. Stir in fresh cilantro, and you’re done.
Serve it warm with bread or as a side. It’s smoky, savory, and ready before you can even check your phone notifications.
Taktouka
Taktouka is like a Moroccan salsa, and while it’s fresh and zesty, it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or long hours of prep.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How to Make It:
Heat some olive oil in a pan and sauté the garlic and onion until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the peppers and cook for another 5 minutes until they’re tender.
Stir in the tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook down for about 10 minutes until it thickens into a chunky sauce.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley or cilantro.
Serve it with bread, or use it as a topping for a simple grilled chicken or fish.
Chicken tagine (tagine djaj)
Now, if you’re craving a heartier meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, chicken tagine (tagine djejj) is your answer.
No need for an actual tagine pot (though that would be fun), just a regular saucepan will do.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup canned tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- A handful of dried apricots (optional, but delicious!)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
Heat a bit of olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic until softened (around 4-5 minutes).
Add the chicken thighs and brown them on both sides (about 5 minutes per side).
Sprinkle in the cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper, and give everything a good stir.
Add the carrots, zucchini, and canned tomatoes. Toss in the dried apricots if you want that sweet-savory flavor.
Cover and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. You can pair with bread, or just enjoy it as-is.
Bsaha!
Living alone and short on time doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. These three Moroccan recipes are quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors that will make your solo meals anything but boring.
So, grab your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy cooking up these Moroccan-inspired dishes that’ll turn any solo dinner into a celebration.
