A particular favorite around Marrakech and in the south, this cooked salad offers a delightful contrast of cold sweet carrots, earthy cumin, and fresh parsley. It’s even better when prepared a day ahead and left overnight to chill and the flavors to fully meld. Set out alongside a bowl of Marinated Olives to nibble on as an appetizer, or serve as part of a spread of salads.
Ingredients
1 lb/455 g medium carrots , scrubbed and cut into 1/4-in-/6-mm-thick rounds
Salt
1/4 cup/60 ml olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp sweet paprika
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp sugar
1 small lemon , halved
Heaped 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, boil the carrots in lightly salted water until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Fill a large mixing bowl with cold water.
Transfer the carrots with a slotted spoon to the cold water to stop further cooking. Once the carrots are cooled, remove with the slotted spoon and drain for a few minutes. Spread out on paper towels to dry completely.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, cumin, and paprika; season with pepper; and sprinkle with the sugar. Cook, stirring gently, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Squeeze half of the lemon over the carrots and sprinkle with the parsley. Turn the carrots to coat evenly.
Transfer to a bowl and let cool. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled.
Just before serving, squeeze the remaining lemon half over the carrots and turn to coat.
Reprinted from Morocco: A Culinary Journey with Recipes from the Spice-Scented Markets of Marrakech to the Date-filled Oasis of Zagora by Jeff Koehler. Chronicle Books © 2012
Each week, The Splendid Table brings you stories that expand your world view, inspire you to try something new and show how food brings us together. We rely on you to do this. And, when you donate, you'll become a member of The Splendid Table Co-op. It's a community of like-minded individuals who love good food, good conversation and kitchen companionship. Splendid Table Co-op members will get exclusive content each month and have special opportunities for connecting with The Splendid Table team.
Donate today for as little as $5.00 a month. Your gift only takes a few minutes and has a lasting impact on The Splendid Table and you'll be welcomed into The Splendid Table Co-op.