Moroccan Potato Casserole

Moroccan Potato Casserole Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Morocco

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Moroccan Potato Casserole is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the earthy taste of potatoes with the vibrant flavors of North African spices and herbs. This hearty casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Moroccan Potato Casserole is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Morocco for generations. It is a popular comfort food that is often served during festive occasions and family gatherings. The combination of potatoes, bell peppers, and tomatoes, seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is loved by many.

Ingredients

6 cloves of garlic
salt to taste
2 tsp of paprika
0.5 tsp of ground cumin
0.25 tsp of ground cayenne pepper
0.75 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
0.75 cup of chopped parsley
juice of 1 lemon
3 tbsp of red wine vinegar
3 tbsp of olive oil
1.5 lb (680 g) of sliced red potatoes
1 large red bell pepper, roughly diced
1 yellow bell pepper, roughly diced
1 large green bell pepper, roughly diced
4 stalks of celery, chopped
1 lb (454 g) of tomatoes, cut into wedges
2 tbsp of olive oil

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, 0.5 tsp salt, paprika, cumin, and cayenne until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a blender and add the herbs. Blend for a few seconds.
Add the lemon juice, vinegar, and 2 to 3 tbsp olive oil to the blender. Blend again for a few seconds.
Taste and add salt as needed.
In a large bowl, mix together the potato, bell peppers, and celery. Add the herb mixture and stir well.
Transfer the mixture to a large shallow baking dish. Add the tomatoes.
Drizzle a little oil over the top of the mixture and cover with foil.
Bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Serve piping hot.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding chickpeas, olives, or raisins for extra flavor and texture. You can also top the casserole with a sprinkle of feta cheese or toasted almonds before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of saffron to the herb mixture.

- You can customize this casserole by adding other vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant.

Serving Suggestions

Moroccan Potato Casserole can be served as a main dish with a side of couscous or crusty bread. It pairs well with a fresh salad or yogurt sauce on the side.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Moroccan Potato Casserole is to layer the vegetables evenly in the baking dish and to bake it covered for the first half of the cooking time to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have red wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. You can also use sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes instead of red potatoes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the herb mixture and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. You can also assemble the casserole the night before and bake it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

You can garnish the Moroccan Potato Casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving. Serve it in a colorful ceramic baking dish for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Moroccan Potato Casserole pairs well with a glass of fruity red wine such as a Merlot or a Shiraz. You can also serve it with a refreshing mint tea or a glass of sparkling water with lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Moroccan Potato Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Moroccan Potato Casserole contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Moroccan Potato Casserole contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Moroccan Potato Casserole contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Moroccan Potato Casserole contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Moroccan Potato Casserole is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Please note that it contains garlic and may not be suitable for individuals with garlic allergies.

Summary

Moroccan Potato Casserole is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Moroccan Potato Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. With its blend of spices and herbs, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a renowned chef in our small village, known for her delicious dishes and generous spirit. One day, while helping her prepare for a big family gathering, she introduced me to the wonders of Moroccan cuisine.

We were in the bustling market, surrounded by vendors selling vibrant spices, fragrant herbs, and fresh produce. The air was filled with the intoxicating scents of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. My grandmother led me to a stall run by a friendly old woman, who was selling a variety of exotic ingredients from Morocco.

As we browsed through the colorful displays, my grandmother struck up a conversation with the woman. They spoke animatedly in a mixture of languages, sharing stories and recipes. I listened intently, trying to absorb as much as I could from their conversation.

Suddenly, the old woman pulled out a tattered notebook from beneath the counter. It was filled with handwritten recipes, passed down through generations of her family. She handed it to my grandmother with a smile, urging her to try out one particular recipe for Moroccan Potato Casserole.

My grandmother's eyes lit up with excitement as she read through the recipe. She explained to me that it was a traditional dish from Morocco, made with layers of tender potatoes, spicy lamb, and aromatic herbs. She decided then and there that we would make it for the family gathering that evening.

Back at home, we set to work in the kitchen, following the old woman's recipe to the letter. We peeled and sliced the potatoes, browned the lamb with onions and garlic, and seasoned it all with a blend of exotic spices. The smell that filled the kitchen was heavenly, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

As the casserole baked in the oven, my grandmother told me stories of her own adventures in the kitchen. She recounted how she had learned to cook from her own grandmother, who had taught her the importance of patience, love, and creativity in the culinary arts.

When the timer finally beeped, we pulled the steaming casserole out of the oven. The golden crust crackled under my grandmother's knife as she cut into it, revealing the layers of tender potatoes and savory lamb. The aroma that wafted up from the dish was intoxicating, making my mouth water in anticipation.

We served the Moroccan Potato Casserole to our family that evening, watching with pride as they devoured every last bite. The flavors were a symphony of spices and textures, each bite a journey through the bustling markets of Morocco.

Since that day, the recipe for Moroccan Potato Casserole has become a staple in our family gatherings. I have made it countless times, each time adding my own twist to the original recipe. Sometimes I'll add a dash of saffron for a touch of luxury, or swap out the lamb for chicken or beef for a different flavor profile.

But no matter how many times I make it, that first memory of discovering the recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a moment of pure joy and discovery, a moment that sparked my lifelong love affair with cooking and sharing delicious food with the ones I love. And for that, I am forever grateful to my grandmother and the friendly old woman in the market who introduced me to the wonders of Moroccan cuisine.