Moroccan Potato Tagine Recipe

Spiced Moroccan Potato Tagine Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Feast

Comfort meets adventure in this hearty moroccan potato tagine that whispers stories of spice-laden markets and warm desert winds.

Fragrant herbs dance through tender potatoes, creating a melody of flavors that transports you across continents.

Moroccan kitchens have long celebrated simple ingredients transformed into extraordinary meals.

Earthy spices like cumin and paprika weave magic into each bite, promising a culinary journey beyond typical dinner routines.

Layers of complexity emerge from humble ingredients, surprising even seasoned home cooks.

Slow-simmered techniques unlock deep, rich tastes that connect you to generations of North African cooking traditions.

Moroccan Potato Tagine: Flavorful North African Journey

  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this flavorful Moroccan Potato Tagine in just 1.5 hours with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy families craving exotic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Spice-Packed Nutrition Boost: Loaded with nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots and tomatoes, this dish offers a healthy one-pan meal that delivers robust Moroccan spices and satisfying warmth in every bite.
  • Stress-Free Cooking Method: The simple layering technique and oven-baking approach means no constant stirring or complicated techniques – just assemble, cover, and let the oven do the work while you relax.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort: Utilizing affordable ingredients like potatoes, onions, and basic spices, this recipe transforms everyday vegetables into a restaurant-quality meal that won't break the bank.

What Fills a Moroccan Potato Tagine

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy base that absorbs the rich Moroccan spices, best when waxy and firm varieties are chosen.
  • Onions, Tomatoes, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that create depth of flavor and provide nutritional layers, seasonal produce works best.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb for bright garnish, adds zesty finish to the dish.
Spice and Seasoning Group:
  • Harissa Paste: Spicy North African chili paste that brings bold heat and complex flavor.
  • Coriander, Cumin, Ginger, Turmeric: Classic Moroccan spice blend creating warm, earthy undertones.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing overall taste.
Liquid and Oil Group:
  • Olive Oil: Provides rich base for spice mixture and helps prevent sticking.
  • Vegetable Broth: Adds moisture and helps steam the vegetables during baking.

Steps to Prepare Moroccan Potato Tagine

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F, preparing the perfect environment for your delicious Moroccan Potato Tagine.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

In a small bowl, blend together:
  • Olive oil
  • Harissa paste
  • Coriander
  • Cumin
  • Ginger
  • Turmeric

Whisk these ingredients until they form a vibrant, aromatic mixture.

Step 3: Coat Potato Slices

Gently toss potato slices in the spice blend, ensuring each slice is beautifully covered with the fragrant mixture.

Step 4: Build First Layer

Spread half of the onion slices across the bottom of a round baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation.

Step 5: Add Potato Layer

Place half of the spice-coated potato slices over the onions, followed by half of the garlic pieces.

Step 6: Create Vegetable Mosaic

Layer half of the tomatoes and carrots on top, generously seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 7: Repeat Layering

Repeat the previous layers with the remaining ingredients, building a beautiful, colorful dish.

Step 8: Drizzle Final Touches

Pour any remaining olive oil and spice mixture over the vegetables, ensuring maximum flavor infusion.

Step 9: Add Moisture

Carefully pour vegetable broth around the layers, helping to keep the tagine moist during cooking.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until potatoes become wonderfully tender.

Step 11: Rest And Garnish

Let the tagine sit covered for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Tagine Success Starts With These Tips

  • Adjust harissa paste quantity based on your heat tolerance, adding more for a fiery kick or less for milder flavor.
  • Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
  • Choose ripe, firm tomatoes and crisp carrots for the best flavor and nutritional value.
  • Swap vegetable broth with chicken or bone broth for added protein, or use plant-based alternatives for vegan options.
  • Sprinkle extra fresh herbs like parsley or mint before serving to add vibrant color and fresh aroma.

Keeping Moroccan Potato Tagine Ready for Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled tagine to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place tagine in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add splash of vegetable broth to prevent drying.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when potatoes are steaming hot.

Spiced Sides For Potato Tagine

  • Pair Zesty Red Wine: Choose a bold Moroccan Grenache or Spanish Tempranillo with spicy notes that complement the harissa and warm spices.
  • Serve with Herbed Couscous: Create a light, fluffy couscous side dish tossed with fresh parsley, mint, and a touch of lemon zest to balance the tagine's richness.
  • Match Fresh Moroccan Mint Tea: Brew traditional mint tea with green tea and fresh mint leaves, offering a cooling contrast to the dish's warm, spicy flavors.
  • Enhance with Yogurt Sauce: Prepare a quick cucumber-yogurt sauce with dill and garlic, providing a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the tagine's robust spice profile.

Moroccan Tagine Flavor Adjustments

  • Vegan Potato Tagine: Replace vegetable broth with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free version. Add chickpeas for extra protein and use nutritional yeast to enhance flavor.
  • Spicy Moroccan Potato Bake: Increase harissa paste for an intense heat level. Add sliced jalapeños and sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets. Keep the same spice blend and cooking method for a lighter, low-carbohydrate option.
  • Mediterranean Vegetable Tagine: Include zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant alongside potatoes. Swap harissa for smoky paprika to create a different regional flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What is a tagine?

A tagine is a traditional Moroccan cooking pot with a cone-shaped lid, used to slow-cook stews and vegetable dishes. In this recipe, we’re using a baking dish to mimic the slow-cooking method of a classic tagine.

  • Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more harissa paste or including fresh chili peppers. Start with small amounts and adjust to your personal spice tolerance.

  • Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This Moroccan Potato Tagine is a fully vegetarian dish that uses vegetables, spices, and vegetable broth. It’s a hearty and flavorful plant-based meal suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

  • What makes Moroccan spices unique?

Moroccan spices like harissa, cumin, and coriander create a complex, warm flavor profile. They blend heat, earthiness, and aromatics that give the dish its distinctive North African character and depth of taste.

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Moroccan Potato Tagine Recipe

Moroccan Potato Tagine Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Moroccan potato tagine brings North African warmth to your kitchen, combining earthy spices and tender potatoes in a comforting one-pot wonder. Hearty flavors and aromatic herbs invite you to savor a delicious journey through Moroccan culinary traditions.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (1 lb / 454 g), sliced
  • 3 large plum tomatoes (3/4 lb / 340 g), sliced
  • 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced diagonally
  • 1/2 large onion, sliced
  • 6 large garlic cloves, sliced

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon harissa paste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Oils:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant spice blend by whisking olive oil with harissa paste, coriander, cumin, ginger, and turmeric into a fragrant marinade.
  2. Thoroughly coat potato slices in the aromatic spice mixture, ensuring each slice is evenly seasoned.
  3. Create a rustic layering foundation in a round baking dish by spreading a base of thinly sliced onions.
  4. Arrange the first layer of spice-coated potatoes over the onions, nestling them gently into position.
  5. Disperse minced garlic cloves across the potato layer, allowing their pungent essence to infuse the dish.
  6. Strategically place fresh tomato slices and carrot pieces to create colorful, textural strata.
  7. Sprinkle a delicate layer of salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance the vegetable medley’s natural flavors.
  8. Repeat the layering process, building a harmonious vegetable landscape with the remaining ingredients.
  9. Drizzle any residual spice mixture over the top, ensuring maximum flavor penetration.
  10. Carefully pour vegetable broth around the edges, creating a moisture-rich cooking environment.
  11. Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in steam and preserve the vegetables’ tenderness.
  12. Roast in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 90 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become perfectly tender.
  13. Remove from oven and let the tagine rest, covered, for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  14. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic presentation.

Notes

  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for best texture and ability to hold shape during slow cooking.
  • Adjust harissa paste quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and tasting before final layering.
  • Toast whole spices before grinding to enhance their deep, aromatic flavors and create more complex taste profile.
  • For vegetarian or vegan version, ensure vegetable broth is plant-based and skip any potential dairy garnishes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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