What To Serve With Tagine: 15 Tasty Side Dishes

Tagine, a North African stew-like dish, is an explosion of flavors and textures.

But have you ever wondered what to serve with this delicious meal to create a perfectly balanced feast? This is your lucky day 🙂

Here are 15 mouthwatering side dishes that will complement your tagine and elevate your dining experience.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with tagine are couscous, flatbreads, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, chickpea salad, grilled halloumi, butternut squash, yellow rice, fattoush, lemon and herb quinoa, tzatziki, and harissa.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Couscous

Couscous, made from steamed and dried wheat granules, is a traditional North African dish that pairs perfectly with Moroccan tagine. Its light, fluffy texture soaks up the rich sauce of the tagine, while its delicate flavor profile complements the bold flavors of the stew. You can enhance your couscous by adding raisins, toasted nuts, or chopped herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

2. Flatbreads

Flatbreads, such as pita or naan, are a versatile accompaniment to tagine. These soft, slightly chewy breads are perfect for scooping up the flavorful sauce and tender meat or vegetables. You can serve them warm, brushed with a little olive oil, and sprinkled with za'atar or sesame seeds for added taste.

3. Butternut Squash

Air frying butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness while giving it a delightful, crispy exterior. Tossed in a blend of spices like paprika, cumin, and cinnamon, this side dish adds a touch of warmth and color to your tagine meal. The tender, slightly caramelized squash pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the tagine, offering a healthy and scrumptious addition to your table.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasting vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavor. Seasoned with olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs, these colorful, nutritious vegetables provide a delicious contrast to the rich tagine, adding variety and depth to your meal.

5. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf, prepared with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, is a fantastic alternative to couscous when serving Moroccan tagine. The fragrant rice absorbs the flavors of the tagine and provides a satisfying base that complements the stew's bold taste. Add a touch of saffron for an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden hue.

6. Chickpea Salad

A zesty chickpea salad, made with fresh ingredients like chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion, adds a refreshing touch to your  tagine meal. Tossed with a light dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs, this salad offers a tangy contrast to the rich tagine, cleansing your palate between bites.

7. Grilled Halloumi

Grilling halloumi cheese until golden brown and slightly charred brings out its smoky, salty flavors, which pair beautifully with tagine. The firm texture of halloumi stands up well to the hearty stew, providing a contrasting element that adds interest to the overall meal.

8. Israeli Couscous

Also known as pearl couscous or ptitim, Israeli couscous is a larger, pearl-shaped pasta that provides a delightful, chewy texture to your tagine meal. Cooked in a flavorful broth and tossed with sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon juice, Israeli couscous makes for a delicious and filling side dish.

9. Fattoush

Fattoush is a Levantine bread salad made with crisp vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and radish, along with toasted pita bread. The zesty, tangy dressing typically includes lemon juice, sumac, and olive oil. This refreshing salad brings a delightful crunch to your tagine meal, helping to balance the heaviness of the stew.

10. Lemon and Herb Quinoa

Nutty, protein-rich quinoa cooked with lemon zest and fresh herbs like parsley and mint makes for a nutritious, gluten-free alternative to couscous. The light, citrusy flavors of this side dish complement the rich, savory taste of tagine, creating a well-rounded meal that caters to various dietary preferences.

11. Yellow Rice

Yellow rice, infused with the vibrant color and flavor of turmeric or saffron, adds a visually appealing and delicious element to your tagine meal. The mildly spiced rice complements the bold flavors of the tagine, providing a satisfying base for the stew. You can also mix in peas, raisins, or toasted almonds for added texture and taste.

12. Tzatziki

Tzatziki, a Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill, adds a cool, creamy element to your tagine meal. The refreshing taste of tzatziki cuts through the richness of the tagine, providing a pleasant contrast that balances the flavors on your plate.

13. Harissa

Harissa is a spicy North African chili paste made from dried red chilies, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway. Adding a dollop of harissa to your tagine introduces a new dimension of flavor, with its smoky heat elevating the overall taste of your meal. Adjust the amount of harissa according to your spice preference for a customized dining experience.

14. Orange and Fennel Salad

A refreshing orange and fennel salad adds a burst of citrusy, licorice-like flavor to your tagine feast. Thinly sliced fennel, orange segments, and a sprinkling of fresh mint leaves create a light, invigorating side dish that contrasts the richness of the tagine. The vibrant salad not only adds flavor but also a beautiful pop of color to your table.

15. Moroccan Carrot Salad

This Moroccan-inspired carrot salad features cooked or raw carrots, tossed with a zesty dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander. The sweet, earthy flavors of the carrots complement the robust taste of the tagine, while the tangy dressing adds a bright note to your meal.

Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness and visual appeal.

Enjoy these flavorful options and create a memorable dining experience for you and your guests!

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