Boards Around the World Moroccan Charcuterie Board
Around the World
Moroccan Charcuterie Board
Warm spice, sweet fruit and salty preserved lemon, the three flavors that run through Moroccan cooking. Grilled meats sit next to cool yogurt and dates.
- Serves
- 8–10
- Board
- 18–20 inch
- Prep
- 40–45 min
- Cost
- $55–$85
- Level
- Beginner
Open this board in the Board Builder Get amounts for your own guest count, free.
What's on the board
Cheese & spreads
Meat
- Merguez sausage
- Kefta meatballs
- Spiced lamb strips
Condiments
- Harissa
- Chermoula
- Preserved lemons
Vegetables & olives
- Mixed marinated olives
- Cumin-roasted carrots
- Roasted red peppers
Bread
- Khobz
- Sesame crackers
Amounts and prices for each item are in the book, or open the board in the Board Builder for amounts sized to your guest count.
Why it works
The heat comes from merguez, kefta and harissa, and everything else is placed to answer it. Cool, tangy labneh and salty feta calm the chili, preserved lemon adds a mellow, salty citrus hit, and chermoula brings fresh herbs and garlic.
Sweet with savory is the Moroccan signature, so dates, dried apricots, pistachios and almonds sit right next to the spiced meats. Cumin on the roasted carrots repeats the spice in the sausages, and a finish of argan oil, rose petals and cinnamon gives the board its aroma.
Timeline
- 25 min beforeGrill the merguez, cook the kefta and roast the carrots with cumin.
- 15 min beforeMarinate the feta in za'atar and olive oil; fill the dip bowls.
- 8 min beforeSlice the merguez and place the labneh and cheeses.
- 4 min beforeAdd the meats, dips, vegetables and bread.
- At servingFill gaps with fruit and nuts; scatter rose petals.
The seven-step placement plan (what goes where, and why) is in the book.
New book
Build it exactly, with the new book
This board's exact shopping list with amounts and prices, the prep countdown, all seven placement steps, five swaps and five upgrades are in Charcuterie Lab: Around the World in 16 Boards, with 15 more international boards.
Questions
Where do I find merguez and preserved lemons?
Merguez is sold at halal butchers, Middle Eastern markets and many well-stocked supermarkets. Preserved lemons come in jars near the olives or in specialty aisles, and they're easy to make with lemons and salt if you have a few weeks.
What can I swap for harissa if my guests don't like heat?
Use roasted red pepper purée with a pinch of cumin and smoked paprika. You get the color and warmth without much burn.
What drink goes with a Moroccan board?
Sweet mint tea is the traditional choice. For wine, a fruity Grenache or rosé handles the spice well.
Can I make parts ahead?
Kefta, roasted carrots and marinated feta can be made a day ahead. Grill the merguez close to serving and bring everything else to room temperature.
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