Spiced Moroccan Carrot Salad
Discover the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine with this Spiced Moroccan Carrot Salad. This refreshing and colorful dish features tender, perfectly cooked carrots combined with aromatic garlic and a delightful blend of spices and herbs. Tossed in a tangy dressing of olive oil and white vinegar, this salad offers a balance of warmth from cayenne and earthiness from cumin, making it a perfect side dish for grilled meats or a light vegetarian meal. Enjoy this healthy and satisfying salad that not only bursts with flavors but also adds beautiful color to your table.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
750 g (julienne)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
Fresh coriander (cilantro)
2 tablespoons (minced)
Cumin
1 teaspoon
White vinegar
2 teaspoons
Olive oil
3 tablespoons
Salt
to taste
Water
5 cups
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil.
2
Add the julienned carrots and minced garlic to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes until the carrots are tender but still retain some crunch.
3
Once cooked, drain the carrots and garlic well in a colander and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
4
Add the minced fresh parsley, minced fresh coriander, cayenne pepper, cumin, and salt to the bowl with the carrots.
5
Drizzle the olive oil and white vinegar over the mixture.
6
Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the carrots are evenly coated with the dressing.
7
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
8
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Moroccan Carrot Salad?
It is a refreshing and vibrant Moroccan side dish featuring julienned carrots, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin and cayenne.
Is this Moroccan Carrot Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it uses only plant-based ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including carrots, spices, and olive oil, are naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How long should I cook the carrots?
The carrots should be boiled for approximately 10 minutes until they are tender but still have a bit of a crunch.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be cut into a julienne shape before cooking.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley and coriander?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs; however, use a smaller amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is this salad very spicy?
The salad has a mild warmth from the 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your heat preference.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
The recipe calls for white vinegar, which provides a clean tanginess.
Can I serve this salad hot?
This salad is best served at room temperature or chilled to allow the flavors to develop.
How long does the salad need to rest before serving?
It is recommended to let the salad sit for about 10 minutes after tossing to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the primary spices in this dish?
The primary spices used are cumin and cayenne pepper.
How much water is needed to boil the carrots?
You will need 5 cups of water to boil the 750g of carrots.
Do I cook the garlic?
Yes, the minced garlic is added to the boiling water with the carrots and cooked for 10 minutes.
Can I prepare Moroccan Carrot Salad in advance?
Yes, this salad keeps well and can be prepared ahead of time, which often improves the flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What dishes pair well with this salad?
It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a vegetarian mezze platter.
Can I add other ingredients like raisins?
Yes, adding raisins or toasted almonds is a common variation that adds sweetness and texture.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is a healthy choice as it is high in vitamins from the carrots and uses heart-healthy olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Can I steam the carrots instead of boiling?
Yes, you can steam the julienned carrots for about 10 minutes if you prefer to preserve more nutrients.
How much carrot by weight is used?
The recipe uses 750 grams of carrots.
What is the desired texture of the carrots?
The carrots should be tender but still retain some of their natural crunch.
Can I substitute lemon juice for the vinegar?
Yes, lemon juice is a great substitute for white vinegar and adds a citrusy brightness to the dish.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.
Can I add more cumin if I like the flavor?
Absolutely, you can adjust the spices to your personal taste.
What is the 'Fresh coriander' mentioned in the recipe?
Fresh coriander is also commonly known as cilantro.
How do I ensure the carrots are evenly coated?
Toss the carrots gently but thoroughly in the mixing bowl after adding the oil, vinegar, and spices.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger group.