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What to Serve With Tagine: 15 Best Side Dishes

Tagine, with its rich and aromatic flavors, pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Mediterranean Olive Bread brings a savory balance, while Buttered Saffron Rice adds a fragrant touch. Moroccan Flatbreads, like msemen, are perfect for scooping up the flavorful sauces. Mashed Sweet Potatoes offer a sweet complement, and Lemon Quinoa Salad provides a tangy twist. Tabbouleh's fresh herbs and vegetables enhance every bite. Traditional Mint Tea rounds out the meal warmly, and Baklava offers a sweet finish. Each side enhances the tagine experience, making every meal feel special. Explore further for more delightful combinations!

Mediterranean Olive Bread

savory fluffy olive infused loaf

Mediterranean Olive Bread, with its savory blend of briny olives and aromatic herbs, serves as an ideal accompaniment to the rich and flavorful juices of a tagine.

The use of olive oil enhances the bread's texture, giving it a crispy crust and soft interior.

The saltiness of the olives balances the sweetness of the tagine, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Buttered Saffron Rice

delicious and fragrant dish

Buttered saffron rice, with its fragrant aroma and rich golden hue, is an exceptional side dish that perfectly complements the complex flavors of a tagine.

This rice dish features the subtle floral taste of saffron, adding a luxurious touch.

The butter infuses a creamy texture, making it both indulgent and easy to prepare, enhancing the overall dining experience with its delightful combination.

Moroccan Flatbreads

delicious bread from morocco

Moroccan flatbreads are a quintessential accompaniment to tagine. They provide an ideal means for savoring the rich sauces and tender meats characteristic of this traditional dish. Varieties like msemen, khobz, and rghaif offer unique textures and flavors.

Typically made with semolina flour, water, and salt, these flatbreads are cooked on a griddle or in a hot oven. This cooking method ensures a chewy, slightly crispy texture.

Focaccia

baked dough with toppings

While Moroccan flatbreads offer traditional flavors, focaccia brings an Italian twist to complement the rich and aromatic qualities of tagine.

This soft, olive oil-infused bread, topped with herbs or vegetables, absorbs the delicious juices of the tagine, enhancing every bite. Its dimpled surface and savory profile make focaccia a versatile and inviting side dish, perfect for soaking up the vibrant flavors of tagine.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

savory side dish option

Mashed sweet potatoes provide a creamy and sweet side dish that harmoniously complements the bold and aromatic flavors of tagine.

When you serve with your tagine, the natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the savory and spicy elements.

Enrich them with butter, milk, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Not only are they delicious, but they're also packed with vitamins and fiber.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower

delicious and aromatic cauliflower

Roasted garlic Parmesan cauliflower offers a savory and crispy side dish that pairs excellently with the complex flavors of tagine. The rich garlic and crispy Parmesan topping elevate the roasted cauliflower, creating a deliciously caramelized treat.

This healthy, low-carb option complements Moroccan carrot dishes, adding depth and variety to your meal. Easy to prepare, it's a perfect addition to your table.

Cucumber Raita

creamy yogurt and cucumbers

Cucumber raita is a revitalizing Indian side dish. It is made with yogurt and cucumbers seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, and mint. It helps balance out spicy dishes like tagine with its cooling effect.

Easy to prepare, this side dish can be served chilled. It adds a creamy texture and a hint of tanginess to your meal, making it a delightful accompaniment.

Roasted Butternut Squash

savory fall side dish

A serving of roasted butternut squash offers a delightful autumnal side dish that pairs exceptionally well with the rich flavors of tagine. High heat roasting tenderizes and caramelizes the squash, enhancing its natural sweetness.

Fresh squash is recommended for the best flavor and texture. This preparation beautifully complements the aromatic spices of Moroccan tagine, making it a perfect addition to your meal.

Parmesan Zucchini Sticks

crispy baked zucchini recipe

Parmesan zucchini sticks offer a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, making them an excellent side dish to complement the rich and aromatic spices of tagine.

These side dishes are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces, with panko breadcrumbs providing a satisfying crunch.

For a variation in texture, try using cornmeal. Italian breadcrumbs may not offer the same level of crunch.

Pomegranate Couscous Salad

delicious summer side dish

Enhance the tagine experience with a lively pomegranate couscous salad, offering a sweet-tart contrast that elevates the dish. This invigorating side is easy to prepare, requiring just five ingredients and only 10 minutes of your time.

The nutty flavor of couscous pairs perfectly with the burst of pomegranate seeds, creating a colorful and flavorful accompaniment to your tagine.

Carrot Salad

healthy and colorful dish

Carrot salad is a staple in Moroccan cuisine, providing an invigorating and tangy complement to the rich flavors of tagine. Made with boiled carrots seasoned with aromatic spices, this colorful and fresh side dish offers a vibrant and crunchy texture.

Best prepared ahead of time to let the flavors meld, carrot salad is a revitalizing and healthy addition to any tagine meal.

Lemon Quinoa Salad

delicious and nutritious dish

Lemon Quinoa Salad offers an invigorating and nutritious side dish that perfectly complements the rich and aromatic flavors of tagine.

The nutty flavor of quinoa melds beautifully with a tangy lemon juice dressing, creating a vibrant taste experience.

Fresh herbs, feta cheese, and almonds add texture and depth, making this salad not only delicious but also an ideal option for meal prep.

Tabbouleh

refreshing bulgur salad recipe

Tabbouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that offers an invigorating and nutritious side dish. It pairs exceptionally well with the rich flavors of tagine. Made with bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and onions, tabbouleh combines fresh herbs and vegetables with a tangy dressing.

This salad is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a delicious and healthy complement to your meal.

Mint Tea

sweet fragrant mint tea

Complementing the vibrant flavors of tabbouleh, mint tea serves as a traditional Moroccan beverage that enhances the dining experience with its invigorating and aromatic qualities.

Brewed with fresh mint leaves, it creates a revitalizing drink often poured from a height to produce a frothy top. This staple in Moroccan culture pairs excellently with tagine, providing a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Tagine?

When serving tagine, consider pairing it with the best side dishes for mini quiche. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or couscous are excellent choices. The flaky texture and savory flavors of mini quiche complement the rich and aromatic profile of the tagine perfectly.

Baklava

sweet and nutty treat

Baklava, a delectable and traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dessert, offers a perfect sweet contrast to the savory flavors of tagine. This popular dessert features crisp, flaky layers of phyllo dough filled with rich, crunchy nuts.

The addition of honey or syrup creates a sweet, sticky finish that makes baklava an irresistible treat, providing a delightful end to your tagine meal.