🇲🇦 Moroccan Cuisine · Street Food

Maakouda

Prep

20 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

Crispy fried potato fritters spiced with cumin and parsley, served in a sandwich or on their own.

Ingredients

  • 500g ground beef
  • 400g crusty bread
  • a handful of minced garlic
  • 2 tsp ras el hanout
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • a generous handful of carrots
  • a handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • a drizzle of toasted almonds
  • 500ml vegetable stock

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the crusty bread base and set it aside to rest while you get the filling ready.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine the lamb shoulder, carrots, sliced shallots, and saffron threads, mixing well so everything is evenly seasoned.

  3. 3

    Heat butter in a skillet, wok, or on a griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Cook the crusty bread until lightly golden on each side, then transfer to a warm plate.

  5. 5

    Fry, grill, or steam the lamb shoulder mixture until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges, about 20 mins.

  6. 6

    Assemble by layering the crusty bread with the filling, a spoonful of toasted almonds, and a scattering of mint.

  7. 7

    Add a final touch of preserved lemon for extra flavor and texture.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately while hot, with extra toasted almonds on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Tips

Serve immediately for the best contrast between a crisp exterior and a warm, tender filling.

Keep the butter hot but not smoking — a thermometer helps you nail the perfect frying or grilling temperature.

Double the toasted almonds so you have plenty for dipping — it tends to disappear fast.