Maakouda (Moroccan Potato Fritters)
Local name: معقودة
In short: Mashed potato seasoned with garlic, cumin and cilantro, shaped into patties, dipped in egg and fried until crisp outside and soft inside. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Maakouda are the potato fritters sold hot from carts and stalls across Moroccan cities, tucked into bread with a smear of harissa for a cheap, filling sandwich. They are also a standard on the Ramadan table. Mashed potato is seasoned with garlic, cumin and fresh herbs, shaped into patties, coated in egg and flour and fried. The outside crackles and the inside stays soft and well seasoned.
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 18 to 20 minutes, until very tender. Drain well and let them steam dry in the pot for 3 minutes.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth. Stir in the garlic, cilantro, parsley, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper, then taste and adjust the seasoning. Cool for 10 minutes.
- Shape the mixture into about 12 flat patties, each about 7 cm (2 3/4 in) wide and 1.5 cm (1/2 in) thick.
- Put the flour on one plate and the beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip each patty in the flour, then in the egg, letting the extra drip off.
- Heat 5 cm (2 in) of oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F). Fry the patties in batches of 4 for about 3 minutes per side, until deep golden.
- Drain on paper towels. Serve hot, tucked into bread with harissa, or with lemon wedges.
Tips
- Floury potatoes such as russets give the best texture. Waxy potatoes make a stickier mash that can turn gluey.
- To bake instead, brush the patties with oil and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 25 minutes, turning once. They are less crisp but lighter.
Questions and answers
Can I make maakouda ahead of time?
Shape the patties up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then coat and fry just before serving. Cooked maakouda reheat well in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 10 minutes.
Can I freeze maakouda?
Yes. Freeze shaped, uncoated patties on a tray, then bag them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, then coat and fry as usual.
How do I make a maakouda sandwich?
Split a piece of flatbread or a small roll, spread it with harissa or a little tomato salad and tuck in 2 hot patties. A few slices of tomato and onion complete it.
How long does it take to make Maakouda (Moroccan Potato Fritters)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Maakouda (Moroccan Potato Fritters)?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 8 g of protein, 40 g of carbohydrates and 15 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
