If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the rich, aromatic flavors of Moroccan cuisine in a simple, plant-based sauce, the Casablanca vegan sauce is your new best friend. This sauce is a beautiful blend of spices, herbs, and wholesome ingredients that come together to create a vibrant and versatile condiment.
Whether you’re drizzling it over roasted vegetables, mixing it into grain bowls, or using it as a marinade, Casablanca vegan sauce adds a delightful punch of flavor without any animal products. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance—it’s both comforting and exotic, perfect for those looking to explore new culinary horizons while keeping their diet cruelty-free.
Inspired by the bustling markets of Casablanca and the rich culinary heritage of Morocco, this sauce embodies warmth and complexity with every spoonful. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy way to elevate your meals and impress guests with bold, authentic flavors.
Let’s dive into making this flavorful staple that will quickly become a kitchen favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Casablanca vegan sauce recipe is a feast for the senses. It’s packed with fragrant spices like cumin and coriander, which are staples in Moroccan cooking, balanced with the brightness of fresh lemon juice and the earthiness of roasted red peppers.
The sauce is completely plant-based, gluten-free, and made with ingredients you can find easily at your local grocery store.
Besides its incredible taste, it’s incredibly versatile. Use it as a dipping sauce, a salad dressing, or a vibrant topping for grain bowls and roasted veggies.
Plus, it stores beautifully in the fridge, so you can make it ahead and enjoy it anytime. If you love exploring vegan recipes that bring global flavors to your table, this sauce is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 2 large roasted red bell peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1/4 cup water (adjust for consistency)
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Small bowl for mixing
- Spatula or spoon
- Storage jar or airtight container
Instructions
- Prepare the roasted red peppers: If using fresh bell peppers, roast them under the broiler or on a grill until the skin is charred and blistered. Place the peppers in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam, then peel off the skins, remove seeds, and roughly chop. For convenience, jarred roasted red peppers work just as well.
- Add ingredients to the blender: Place the roasted red peppers, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, lemon juice, tomato paste, and cayenne pepper (if using) into the blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth: Pulse and blend the mixture until it forms a smooth, creamy sauce. Add water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick but pourable.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go, until the sauce is perfectly seasoned.
- Stir in fresh herbs: Transfer the sauce to a bowl, then fold in the chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Chill and store: For best flavor, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For a smoky depth, you can add a teaspoon of chipotle powder or smoked sea salt instead of regular smoked paprika.
Variation: Add a tablespoon of tahini for a creamier texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with Middle Eastern dishes.
Make it spicy: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced fresh chili if you love a spicy kick.
Storage: This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 7 days and can be frozen for 2-3 months in a sealed container.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (2 tbsp) |
---|---|
Calories | 70 |
Fat | 6g |
Saturated Fat | 0.8g |
Carbohydrates | 4g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 2g |
Protein | 0.5g |
Sodium | 150mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Casablanca vegan sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Drizzle over grilled or roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or cauliflower.
- Use as a zesty dip for pita bread or fresh vegetable sticks.
- Mix into couscous or quinoa bowls for a flavorful boost.
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps in place of mayo or mustard.
- Serve alongside falafel or vegan meatballs for an authentic Moroccan experience.
For more exciting vegan recipes to complement your Casablanca sauce, check out our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or the savory Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes. If you’re in the mood for a refreshing vegan pasta dish, don’t miss the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.
Conclusion
The Casablanca vegan sauce is a wonderful way to bring the essence of Moroccan flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum taste. Its rich blend of spices and fresh ingredients makes it a standout addition to any meal, whether you’re cooking for vegans or simply seeking to add some new flair to your dishes.
With its easy preparation and versatile applications, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Not only does it elevate the simplest meals, but it also invites you to experiment with global flavors and discover the joy of plant-based cooking. So next time you’re looking for a sauce that’s bursting with character and completely vegan, remember this Casablanca sauce—it’s a little jar of magic that transforms everyday dishes into something extraordinary.
📖 Recipe Card: Casablanca Vegan Sauce
Description: A rich and flavorful vegan sauce inspired by Moroccan spices, perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables or grain bowls. This sauce combines tomatoes, spices, and coconut milk for a creamy, aromatic finish.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add coconut milk and maple syrup, stir well.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 12 g
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