Moroccan Roast Potatoes Recipe

I’ve always believed that potatoes are a canvas, and this Moroccan Roast Potatoes recipe is a masterpiece of flavor.

The first time I made these, the aroma of cumin, paprika, and garlic filled my kitchen, and I knew it was going to be special.

The potatoes came out of the oven perfectly crisp on the outside and wonderfully fluffy on the inside.

It’s become my go-to side dish for almost any occasion because it’s so simple yet delivers such an incredible taste.

Ingredients

This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients to create a bold and aromatic flavor profile. Using fresh, quality spices will make a noticeable difference in the final dish.

• 1 kg potatoes (about 7 medium-sized): Any variety works well, but starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds will give you a fluffier interior.
• Juice of 1 lemon (around 4-5 tablespoons): Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a bright, acidic tang that cuts through the richness of the potatoes.
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil: A good quality olive oil helps the potatoes get crispy and adds a classic Mediterranean flavor.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder: This provides a consistent garlic flavor without the risk of fresh garlic burning in the oven.
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder: For a truly authentic taste, I recommend toasting whole cumin seeds and grinding them yourself for a warmer, more intense flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Use sweet paprika for color and mild flavor, or switch to smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier taste.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers the most pungent and complex flavor.
• 2 cubes vegetable bouillon: This is the secret ingredient that infuses a deep, savory umami flavor right into the potatoes.
• Salt to taste: Adjust the salt based on the saltiness of your bouillon cubes.
• Chopped cilantro for garnishing: This adds a final touch of freshness and color before serving.

Note: The ingredient quantities above will yield approximately 5 servings.

Variations

While the classic recipe is fantastic on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. These simple swaps and additions can introduce new layers of flavor.

• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add 1-2 teaspoons of harissa paste to the spice mixture. A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes also works well.
• Herbaceous Twist: Instead of or in addition to cilantro, try garnishing with fresh parsley or mint for a different kind of freshness.
• Add Other Veggies: Feel free to toss in other root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips along with the potatoes. Adjust roasting time as needed.
• Enhanced Flavor: For a deeper, smokier aroma, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. You can also add other spices like a pinch of turmeric for color or coriander for a citrusy note.

Cooking Time

This dish is relatively quick to prepare, with most of the time being hands-off while the potatoes roast.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make these delicious potatoes. Just a few kitchen basics will do the trick.

• Large mixing bowl: To toss the potatoes with the oil and spices, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
• Baking tray: A large, rimmed baking sheet provides enough space for the potatoes to roast in a single layer, which is key for crispiness.
• Oven: For roasting the potatoes until they are golden brown and perfectly cooked.
• Parchment paper: To line the baking tray for easy cleanup and to prevent the potatoes from sticking.

How to Make Moroccan Roast Potatoes

This recipe involves just a few simple steps, from preparing the potatoes to roasting them to golden perfection. Following these instructions will ensure a delicious result every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

First, wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can choose to peel them or leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients. Cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Create the Spice Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable bouillon cubes, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, cumin powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and salt. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything together until the bouillon cubes have completely dissolved and you have a smooth, fragrant marinade.

Step 3: Coat the Potatoes

Add the prepared potato cubes to the bowl with the spice marinade. Use a spatula or your hands to toss the potatoes thoroughly. Make sure every cube is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture for the best results.

Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Tray

Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the coated potato cubes in a single, even layer across the tray. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the potatoes to steam rather than roast, preventing them from getting crispy.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Place the baking tray in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). Roast for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender on the inside and golden brown and crispy on the outside. For even cooking, I recommend stirring them once about halfway through the baking time.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the potatoes are done, carefully remove the tray from the oven. Let them cool for a minute before transferring them to a serving dish. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately while they are still warm.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over the many times I’ve made this dish, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from great to absolutely perfect.

• I find that cutting the potatoes slightly larger than bite-sized is best. They tend to shrink a little as they roast, and this ensures they don’t become too small or dry out.
• For the crispiest possible potatoes, I always make sure they are completely dry before tossing them in the marinade. After washing and cutting, I pat them down with a clean kitchen towel.
• Don’t skip the step of preheating your oven. Placing the potatoes in a hot oven immediately helps the outside start to crisp up right away, creating a great texture.
• I learned that spreading the potatoes in a single layer is crucial. If I overcrowd the pan, they end up steaming and get soft instead of crispy. If needed, I just use two baking sheets.

How to Serve Moroccan Roast Potatoes?

These versatile potatoes can be served in a variety of ways, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Their bold flavor pairs well with many different main courses.

You can serve them as a classic side dish alongside grilled meats like lamb or chicken, or with fish. They also make a fantastic base for a hearty vegetarian meal when paired with a fresh salad and a dollop of yogurt or hummus.

For a fun twist, use them as a filling for wraps or stuff them into pitas with your favorite toppings. For presentation, serve them in a warm bowl and sprinkle with extra fresh cilantro and a final squeeze of lemon juice.

Nutritional Information

Here is a general overview of the nutritional content per serving for this recipe.

• Calories: 237 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 9 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is great for preparing ahead of time, and leftovers are just as delicious. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy them for days.

To store, let the roasted potatoes cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

You can also freeze roasted potatoes. Spread the cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 3-4 hours. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 6 months.

To reheat, spread the potatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Removing the foil for the last few minutes can help them crisp up again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these flavorful and simple Moroccan roast potatoes.

• Incredibly Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and simple steps, this is a straightforward recipe that anyone can make, regardless of their cooking skill level. It’s a perfect side dish for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of warm Moroccan spices like cumin and paprika, along with garlic and fresh lemon, creates a wonderfully aromatic and delicious flavor profile that is truly unforgettable.
• Versatile and Customizable: These potatoes are a perfect side for almost any main course. You can also easily adjust the spices to your liking, adding more heat or different herbs to make the dish your own.
• Dietary Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for serving to a crowd with different dietary needs and preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: The potatoes store and reheat beautifully, making them a great option for meal prepping. You can enjoy them throughout the week in salads, wraps, or as a quick side.