As a Moroccan man who absolutely loves the delicious and aromatic flavors of the tagine, I am thrilled to share with you all the different types of this traditional dish that originates from my homeland and the Maghreb region. Previously we shared the different types of Couscous in the Maghreb, now for another classic dish—Tagine.
From the classic chicken and lemon tagine to the vegan-friendly vegetable tagine, there is a recipe for every taste and preference. The tagine is not only a delicious meal, but it is also one of the healthiest dishes you can enjoy.
So come join me on a culinary journey through the various types of tagine, and let your taste buds be tantalized by the rich and flavorful sauces and succulent meats and vegetables. And as we say in Morocco (although it's French), Bon appétit!
Tagine, also known as Tajine, is a traditional Moroccan (and Maghrebi) dish that is named after the special earthenware pot in which it is cooked. The pot is cone-shaped, with a wide base and a narrow top, and it is used to slow-cook meat and vegetables over a low flame.
The ingredients are layered in the pot, starting with the meat at the bottom and finishing with the vegetables on top. As the dish cooks, the juices from the meat and vegetables mix together to create a rich, flavorful sauce. What's more interesting about Tagine is that it's one of the healthiest meals you can eat, especially when cooked with olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
In a nutshell, to make a tagine, start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or tagine pot. Add your choice of protein (such as chicken, lamb, or beef) and cook until browned on all sides. Then, add in your vegetables (such as onions, carrots, and bell peppers) and stir to combine.
Next, add in your choice of spices (such as cumin, paprika, and ginger) and stir to coat the ingredients. Pour in a cup of water, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
However, there's a caveat. It's not about just gathering the ingredients. The alchemy of making a tagine is a complex process that only a few can master.
There are many different types of tagine, and each one is unique and delicious in its own way. Here are a few of the most popular varieties that everyone interested in the cuisine of the Maghreb must taste.
Image Credit: Thiébaud Faix on Unsplash
This classic tagine is made with tender chicken pieces and slices of juicy lemon. The lemon helps to balance out the richness of the chicken and adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish.
Image Credit: sour moha on Unsplash
This tagine is made with succulent lamb pieces and sweet, plump prunes. The prunes add a touch of sweetness to the dish, which is balanced out by the savory flavors of the lamb.
This tagine is made with tender beef pieces and soft, fragrant apricots. The apricots add a hint of sweetness to the dish, which is complemented by the rich, savory flavors of the beef.
Image Credit: Turajski, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This vegan-friendly tagine is made with a variety of colorful vegetables, including eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The vegetables are slow-cooked in a fragrant sauce made with spices like cumin and paprika, creating a delicious and healthy meal.
In addition to these classic tagine recipes, there are many other variations to explore, including fish tagines, shrimp tagines, and even sweet tagines made with fruit and nuts. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian, there is a tagine for everyone to enjoy.
If you are a foodie looking to experience authentic Moroccan cuisine, there is no better way to do it than by visiting Morocco and trying some delicious homemade tagines.
So why not plan a trip to Morocco and discover the rich flavors and aromas of the tagine for yourself? You can read more about Morocco on our many blogs on Morocco too!
Cover Image Credit: Annie Spratt on Unsplash
