What to Serve with a Tagine? 10 BEST Side Dishes

When it comes to Moroccan cuisine, tagine is a distinguished and appetizing dish that is appreciated worldwide.

Tagine is a staple of Moroccan cuisine and is popular across North Africa and the Middle East.

A tagine is a type of slow-cooked stew in a particular earthenware pot called a tagine.

This dish typically features a combination of meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables and is seasoned with a variety of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

However, to create a complete meal, it is important to consider serving side dishes with a tagine.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for a Tagine?

Serving side dishes with a tagine can add a ridge of textures, flavors, and nutrients to your meal.

Since a tagine is typically a one-pot dish, side dishes can provide a balance to the meal and enhance the overall experience.

For example, serving a salad with fresh greens and vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty and savory tagine.

Also, serving a side dish of couscous or rice can help absorb the flavorful juices of the tagine, creating a satisfying and complete meal.

Serving side dishes with a tagine can elevate the meal and provide a well-rounded and balanced dining experience.

What to Serve with A Tagine? 10 BEST Side Dishes

1 – Harissa Roasted Carrots

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Roasted vegetables are forever a refreshing complementary side dish, but adding harissa, a spicy North African chili paste, takes them to a new level.

Harissa roasted carrots are a perfect side dish that complements a tagine with its bold and spicy flavor that adds a kick to the dish.

To make harissa roasted carrots, start by preheating your oven to 400°F.

Cut your carrots into similar-sized pieces, so they cook evenly.

Toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and harissa in a large bowl.

Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

2 – Grilled Eggplant with Tahini

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Grilled eggplant with tahini is a classic Middle Eastern dish frequently served as a side.

To make this dish, begin by preheating your grill to high heat.

Slice the eggplant into rounds, scrub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Grill them for 3-4 minutes per side until they are charred and tender.

Mix tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until smooth to make the tahini sauce.

Serve the eggplant squirted with tahini sauce and garnished with fresh herbs like parsley.

You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh mint over the top to enhance the flavor of the dish.

3 – Spiced Roasted Cauliflower

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Roasting cauliflower is an easy way to render intensity and flavor to this mild-tasting vegetable.

To make spiced roasted cauliflower, begin by preheating your oven to 425°F.

Chop the cauliflower into florets and roll them with olive oil, salt, and a mix of seasonings like cumin, coriander, and paprika.

Spread them in a single pane on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until they are caramelized and tender.

You can also serve it with a dollop of creamy yogurt or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.

Serve the cauliflower hot, seasoned with chopped parsley or cilantro.

4 – Chickpea and Spinach Stew

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Chickpea and spinach stew is a delightful and filling vegetarian side dish that is perfect for improving tagine.

To make this dish, begin by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot over medium heat until they are soft and translucent.

Put in canned chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable stock.

Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the flavors have meshed together.

Add fresh spinach and let it shrivel for a few minutes.

You can also add some chopped fresh tomatoes and a pinch of smoked paprika to improve the flavor and plop some color to the dish.

5 – Lemon Quinoa Salad

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Lemon quinoa salad is a colorful and refreshing side dish that renders a great contrast to the rich and savory tagine.

To make this dish, start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions.

Mix the cooked quinoa with diced vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.

Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of cumin and coriander to make the dressing.

Fling the salad with the dressing and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley.

You can also serve it chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect side dish for outdoor summer gatherings.

6 – Moroccan Turkey Salad

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Indulge your taste buds with a Moroccan turkey salad that faultlessly complements any tagine dish.

Marinated with aromatic spices, the juicy turkey pieces are tossed with a medley of fresh vegetables, including crispy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy olives, to create a colorful and flavorful salad.

To add a crunch, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top.

The vibrant colors and enticing aroma of the salad will immediately awaken your senses, making you feel like you are in the bustling markets of Marrakech.

Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this Moroccan turkey salad is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

7 – Carrot and Raisin Couscous

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This couscous is a great side dish for a tagine.

Cook the couscous according to the package advice, then add grated carrots, raisins, and some diced parsley.

Drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice to accentuate the flavors.

Add some cooked chickpeas or sliced almonds to the couscous to make this dish more filling.

Try adding some chopped mint or cilantro to the dish for a gush of freshness.

This couscous also makes a great vegetarian main dish, served with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

8 – Za’atar Roasted Potatoes

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Potatoes are a classic side dish for any meal, and this recipe augments a Middle Eastern knot.

Chop potatoes into bite-sized portions and garnish them with some za’atar condiment, salt, and olive oil.

Roast them in the oven until they are crispy and golden.

If you don’t have za’atar seasoning on hand, you can make your own by jumbling some dried oregano, thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt.

To make the dish more colorful, try using a mix of varied colored potatoes, such as red, purple, and yellow.

These roasted potatoes also make a great snack or appetizer, served with a side of hummus or tzatziki sauce for dipping.

9 – Tomato and Cucumber Salad

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Looking for a refreshing and healthy side dish to serve with your savory and aromatic tagine? The colorful tomato and cucumber salad is the perfect accompaniment to any tagine, adding a burst of freshness to every bite.

To make this salad, start by chiseling fresh cucumbers and juicy tomatoes into bite-sized slabs.

Then, whisk together a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Crown the veggies with the dressing and serve alongside your piping hot tagine.

The crispness of the cucumber and the acidity of the tomato will stabilize the rich and hearty flavors of your tagine, making for a perfectly satisfying meal.

Give this easy and delicious salad a try tonight.

10 – Olive and Apricot Couscous Salad

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This couscous salad is a great blend of sweet and salty flavors.

Start by cooking the couscous according to the package instructions, then add chopped dried apricots, slashed olives, and some chopped parsley.

Drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice for a zesty finish.

For a spicy twist, add some harissa paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the couscous.

This salad can also be served cold, making it a great option for picnics or potlucks.

To make the dish more substantial, include some cooked chicken or lamb in the couscous.

Conclusion

Serving a tagine without side dishes may leave your meal feeling incomplete and unsymmetrical.

By pairing it with one of these ten unique and delectable side dishes, you can improve the whole dining experience and make it more memorable.

These side dishes present a diversity of textures, flavors, and nutrients to pair with the rich and aromatic tagine.

Whether you’re looking for something subtle and refreshing or hearty and filling, there’s a side dish here for every taste option.

So, test some of these unique side dishes and carry your tagine experience to the next level.