Moroccan Cow Feet

Moroccan Beef Feet, known as "kour3ine" or "Pieds de Bœuf," is a classic dish that showcases the distinct flavors of slow-cooked beef feet. This dish is renowned for its high collagen content, which gives it a wonderfully tender texture. The preparation involves simmering the beef feet with an array of spices and herbs, creating a delicious stew. It is typically enjoyed with Moroccan flatbread, making for a filling and satisfying meal.

Here’s how you can make Moroccan Beef Feet:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs beef feet, cleaned and cut into pieces (you can ask your butcher to prepare these for you)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• 4-5 cups beef broth or water (enough to cover the beef feet)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomatoes, chopped (or fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 1-2 tbsp tomato paste (for richness)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1.Clean the beef feet:

• If the beef feet are not already cleaned, rinse them thoroughly under cold water. It's important to remove any residue, so feel free to blanch them in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then drain and rinse them again.

2. Sauté the aromatics:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are softened and golden.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Add the spices:

• Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground paprika, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt.
• Let the spices cook with the onions and garlic for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and become fragrant.

4. Add the beef feet:

• Add the beef feet to the pot, stirring to coat the pieces with the spices and aromatics.
• Pour in the beef broth (or water) to cover the beef feet. If the liquid level doesn’t cover the feet, add more water or broth to ensure they are submerged.
• Add the bay leaves and bring everything to a boil.

5. Simmer the beef feet:

• Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
• Let the beef feet simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the collagen has broken down, creating a rich, flavorful broth. The longer you cook it, the more tender and flavorful it will become. You can also cook it in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours if preferred.

6. Add tomatoes and tomato paste:

• About 1 hour before the beef feet are done, add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir to combine and let the flavors develop.

7. Finish the dish:

• Once the beef feet are tender and the broth is rich and flavorful, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
• Remove from heat.

8. Serve:

• Ladle the beef feet and broth into bowls.
• Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bit of tang.
• Serve the dish with Moroccan bread (khobz) to soak up the flavorful broth, or alongside couscous.

Optional additions:

• You can add chickpeas for extra texture and flavor, typically about 30 minutes before the dish is done cooking.
• Green olives can also be added for a briny contrast.
• For a bit of heat, add chopped green chilies or a spoonful of harissa.

​Tips:

• Slow cooking is key to making this dish delicious. The collagen in the beef feet needs time to break down and create a rich, gelatinous broth.
• This dish is often enjoyed as a comforting winter meal, so it’s perfect for a cozy, hearty dinner.
• If you're making it ahead of time, the flavor will develop even further after sitting in the fridge for a day or two.

Moroccan beef feet is a flavorful, unique dish that brings together the richness of the meat and spices. It's a great way to explore traditional Moroccan flavors and create something hearty and nourishing. Enjoy!