Makouda

Makouda

Moroccan Makouda is a popular street food in Morocco that consists of potato patties, made with mashed potato and spiced with a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, and paprika. The patties are then coated in a flavorful batter and fried until crispy and golden.

The origins of Makouda can be traced back to the Berber tribes of Morocco, who were the first to make this delicious snack as part of their traditional cuisine. Today, Makouda is widely enjoyed across the country, and it is often served with a side of harissa or spicy tomato sauce for dipping.

One of the reasons Makouda is so popular is because it is incredibly versatile. The basic recipe is simple, and it can be adapted to suit any taste by adding different vegetables or spices. Some variations of Makouda include adding cheese or minced meat to the mixture, or swapping out the potatoes for other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or yams.

Makouda is also known for its satisfying texture. The outside is crispy and crunchy, while the inside is soft and pillowy. This is achieved by using a batter made from a blend of chickpea flour, baking powder, and water. The batter is thick enough to coat the potato patties, but not so thick that it overwhelms the flavor of the potatoes and spices.

In Morocco, Makouda is often served as a snack or appetizer, but it can also be enjoyed as a main meal. It is particularly popular during Ramadan, when it is served as part of the iftar meal to break the fast.

To make Makouda at home, you will need simple ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. You will need potatoes, spices, chickpea flour, baking powder, and water. Begin by boiling the potatoes until they are soft and easy to mash. Then, add the spices to the mashed potatoes and mix well.

Next, form the mixture into small patties and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the chickpea flour, baking powder, and water until you have a smooth batter. Dip the potato patties into the batter, making sure they are well coated.

Finally, fry the patties in hot oil until they are crispy and golden. Serve hot with a side of harissa or tomato sauce.

In conclusion, Moroccan Makouda is a delicious and versatile snack that is enjoyed across Morocco. Its popularity is due to its simplicity and adaptability, as well as its satisfying texture and spicy flavor. Whether served as a snack or a main meal, Makouda is sure to satisfy any craving for savory and spicy comfort food.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of finely grated potatoes
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup of bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, egg, bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Mix well until all of the ingredients are well combined.
  2. Use your hands to form small balls from the mixture, approximately 2 inches in diameter.
  3. In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  4. Gently place the balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, flipping the balls occasionally to ensure even browning.
  5. Once the makouda are golden brown, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  6. Serve the makouda hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!