"La3dass"- Moroccan Lentils Stew

This is a very simple, delicious, and nutritious dish that will surely warm you up this winter. It can be served as a meal on its own with chunky crusty bread to mop up the thick sauce.

What You Need:

1 16oz Dried lentils package
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, diced
2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
3 garlic gloves, crushed or chopped
1 Tbsp tomatoes paste
2 Tbsp Olive oil
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ginger powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (for spicier sauce, use 1/2 tsp)
1/2 tsp cumin
Pinch of Saffron
1 cup water

What To Do:

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan, add onions, garlic, lentils, all the spices, and sautee for 5 min. Add the tomatoes,tomato paste, chopped cilantro, and cook for an additional 5 min.
2. Cover with water. Cook covered on high medium heat for 40-45 min or until lentils are tender. Check on the water level frequently. (If using a pressure cooker, cook on low-medium heat for 30 min).
   
3. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with bread.

Enjoy!!

"La3dass"- Moroccan Lentils Stew

Maakouda- Moroccan Potato Patties

Maakouda(Moroccan potato fritters) is a very popular street food in Morocco. The potatoes are mashed and well seasoned with Moroccan spices, parsley, and onions. They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or in a sandwich with tomatoes, lettuce, and onions.

What you Need:

4 medium potatoes
1/4 cup fresh cilantro,finely chopped
4 garlic, pressed or minced
1 egg
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper (or more)
1/2 tsp cayenne (optional)
1 tsp salt

Flour
2 eggs lightly beaten
oil for frying

What To Do:

1. Making the potatoes Mixture: Peel and cut the potatoes in quarters and boil them until they are soft.
   
2. Drain and mash them well with cilantro, egg, garlic, spices.
3. Shape the potato mixture into cakes about 3" in diameter.
4. Frying the potato cakes: Heat oil in a skillet, dip each pattie in the eggs, then in the flour (removing any excess), then fry in hot oil until deep golden brown- about 8 to 9 min per side.
5. Serve the Maakouda warm.

Enjoy!

Maakouda- Moroccan Potato Patties