Starters & Salads
Refreshing and spiced salads that usually precede a main Moroccan meal.
Authentic Moroccan Harira
Welcome to my table! During the holy month of Ramadan, the sun sets and the first thing that touches our lips is this deeply aromatic Harira. It is the absolute soul of Moroccan street food and family gatherings. Packed with earthy lentils, tender chickpeas, and a velvety tomato broth heavily perfumed with fresh cilantro and celery, it’s not just a soup—it's a warm embrace in a bowl.
Authentic Smoky Zaalouk
Welcome to my table! Before we even serve the main course, our table is always covered in small, vibrant salads. The undisputed king of these is Zaalouk. It is an intensely smoky, garlic-infused mash of roasted eggplants and jammy tomatoes. This isn't just a dip; it’s an ancestral Berber tradition that demands to be scooped up with fresh, crusty bread.
Moroccan Lentils
Let me share a family secret with you. A hearty comfort dish of brown lentils stewed with tomatoes and traditional spices. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Bell Pepper Taktouka
Let me share a family secret with you. A cooked salad of roasted green peppers and tomatoes, rich with olive oil and spices. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Fava Bean Soup
Welcome to my table! A creamy, simple winter soup served with a generous drizzle of olive oil and cumin. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
White Bean Stew
Welcome to my table! Hearty white beans slow-cooked in a tomato-herb sauce with plenty of spices. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Master Marinade
Let me share a family secret with you. The foundational marinade for Moroccan seafood and vegetables: garlic, coriander, lemon, and spices. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Hssoua (Barley Grit Soup)
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. A traditional breakfast soup. Creamy barley grits cooked with milk, cumin, and plenty of olive oil. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Bissara (Fava Bean Dip/Soup)
Let me share a family secret with you. A thick, hearty, and incredibly comforting purée of dried fava beans or split peas, generously drizzled with olive oil and cumin. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Moroccan Vegetable Shorba
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. A light, aromatic, everyday vegetable soup often featuring celery, tomatoes, and vermicelli. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Zaalouk (Eggplant & Tomato Salad)
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. A famous cooked salad or dip made of roasted or pan-fried eggplants and tomatoes, seasoned with garlic, cumin, and paprika. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Bakoula (Mallow or Spinach Salad)
Let me share a family secret with you. Bakoula is the earthy soul of Moroccan foraging. Rooted deeply in ancient Berber traditions, this dish traditionally uses wild mallow leaves gathered after the first spring rains. We slowly steam the greens, then infuse them with intense citrus and garlic. It is pure, rustic comfort.
Carrot and Orange Salad
Welcome to my table! Let me share a family secret about the humble carrot. In our Berber roots, we don't just eat carrots; we celebrate them. This bright, sweet salad brings the sun-drenched orange groves straight to your plate. It is a burst of citrus, kissed by orange blossom water and earthy cinnamon. Every bite is an instant refreshment.
Moroccan Beetroot Salad
Let me share a family secret with you. A simple, earthy salad of diced cooked beets dressed lightly with vinaigrette, onions, and parsley. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Preserved Lemons
Welcome to my table! Lemons pickled in their own juices and coarse salt. The rind becomes soft and umami-rich, indispensable in tajines. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Moroccan Harissa
Let me share a family secret with you. A fiery, aromatic chili paste used as a condiment or to add heat to marinades and stews. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Addis (Moroccan Lentil Stew)
Let me share a family secret with you. A nutritious and comforting stew of brown lentils cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and earthy spices. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Smen (Fermented Butter)
Let me share a family secret with you. A pungent, aged, clarified butter with a distinctive cheesy flavor, used to add depth to tajines and couscous. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Liver in Chermoula (Kebda Mchermla)
Welcome to my table! A popular tapas-style dish of diced beef or lamb liver quickly sautéed in a pungent, spicy chermoula sauce. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Harira Bidaoua (White Harira)
Welcome to my table! A light, comforting soup made without tomatoes or lentils. It features a simple broth thickened with flour or smen and flavored with anise. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Moroccan Chorba with Frik
Let me share a family secret with you. A hearty tomato-based soup thickened with cracked green wheat (Frik), packed with herbs and small pieces of meat. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Tomato Jam (Confiture de Tomates)
Let me share a family secret with you. A fascinating sweet-and-savory side dish made by reducing tomatoes with sugar, cinnamon, and orange blossom water until thick and jammy. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Moroccan Stuffed Mussels
Welcome to my table! Large mussels on the half-shell stuffed with a fragrant mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Cooked Carrot Salad with Cumin
Let me share a family secret with you. A tangy, earthy salad of boiled carrots tossed in a vinaigrette heavily flavored with cumin and garlic. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Moroccan Potato Salad
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. A simple, unpretentious potato salad dressed with olive oil, red onions, and fresh herbs instead of mayonnaise. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Fava Bean Salad (Foul Mchermel)
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. Fresh green fava beans cooked until tender and marinated in a garlicky, spicy chermoula. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Sweet Pumpkin Jam (M'aasla)
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. A sweet side dish of mashed pumpkin cooked down with honey, cinnamon, and orange blossom water, served alongside savory tagines. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Lentils with Pumpkin
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. A hearty autumnal stew combining earthy brown lentils with chunks of sweet pumpkin and warm spices. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Spinach and Chickpea Stew
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. A nutritious, comforting vegetarian stew featuring spinach and chickpeas in a mildly spiced tomato broth. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Shrimp Pil-Pil
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. A sizzling, spicy appetizer of shrimp cooked rapidly in a sea of olive oil, garlic, and hot paprika. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Fried Eggplant Slices
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. A simple side dish or sandwich filling. Slices of eggplant dusted with seasoned flour and fried until golden. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Spicy Harissa Carrots
Let me share a family secret with you. A punchy, spicy side dish. Boiled carrots tossed in a fiery mixture of harissa, olive oil, and garlic. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Lentil Soup with Root Vegetables
Let me share a family secret with you. A hearty, nutritious soup of brown lentils cooked slowly with diced carrots, turnips, and celery. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Tomato and Vermicelli Soup (Chorba)
Let me share a family secret with you. A light, fast, and comforting tomato-based soup thickened with thin vermicelli noodles and flavored with fresh cilantro. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Green Split Pea Bissara
Let me share a family secret with you. A vibrant green variation of the classic Bissara, made with green split peas instead of fava beans, offering a slightly sweeter flavor. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Oatmeal Soup (Chorba Dyal Tchicha)
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. A creamy, comforting breakfast soup made by simmering barley grits or rolled oats in milk, flavored with a touch of anise. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Roasted Bell Pepper Salad
Let me share a family secret with you. A simple, smoky salad of fire-roasted bell peppers, peeled and sliced, dressed only with olive oil and salt. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Fried Eggplant Zaalouk
Welcome to my table! A richer version of Zaalouk where the eggplants are deep-fried before being mashed into the garlicky tomato sauce. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Cucumber and Thyme Salad
Let me share a family secret with you. A crisp, cooling salad of diced cucumbers dressed with a simple vinaigrette and a generous pinch of dried Moroccan thyme (Zaatar). Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Grated Carrot Salad with Orange Blossom
Let me share a family secret with you. A sweet, fragrant salad of finely grated carrots tossed with sugar, lemon juice, and orange blossom water, often served as a palate cleanser. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Seafood Briouates
If you were sitting in our family salon right now, I would serve you this. Triangular pastries filled with a spicy mix of shrimp, white fish, vermicelli, and harissa. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Cheese and Mint Cigars
Welcome to my table! Crispy pastry cylinders filled with a simple, refreshing mixture of mild cheese and fresh mint. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.