If you’ve ever gathered around the dinner table in Morocco, you know the power of slow-cooked comfort food! This Moroccan Sheep Nails Stew, known locally as Karkar or Kor3a, transforms humble sheep feet and chickpeas into a rich, silky broth that’s prized for joint health and flavor.
It’s a classic family dish, passed down through generations for cold nights, holidays, and moments when you crave real nourishment. Even picky eaters come back for seconds!
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- Packed with collagen for strong joints and bones
- Classic Moroccan spices—turmeric, ginger, and cumin
- One-pot comfort food, perfect for family sharing
- Delicious paired with fresh bread and lemon
Ingredients for Moroccan Sheep Nails Stew
- 4 clean sheep feet (burned to remove hair, nails trimmed)
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup soaked chickpeas
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups water
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board and knife
- Ladle for serving
- Bowls and fresh crusty bread
Instructions for Moroccan Sheep Nails Stew
- Prep the Sheep Feet: Make sure feet are fully cleaned and scalded (or ask your butcher to prep them). Remove any hair and trim nails.
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir gently until fragrant.
- Build the Broth: Add sheep feet and soaked chickpeas, stir for about 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Simmer: Pour in 6 cups of water, cover, and simmer on low for 2 hours (check and add more water if needed). The stew should turn rich and gelatinous.
- Serve Family-Style: Taste and adjust salt. Ladle into bowls, garnish with lemon wedges, and share with plenty of Moroccan bread.
Family Serving Tips
- Enjoy on chilly evenings or as a special weekend meal.
- Let kids help with soaking chickpeas or arranging the table.
- Share stories about food and family—this stew inspires nostalgia!
- Pair with green tea or home-style salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: ~390
Protein: 32g
Fat: 25g
Carbs: 10g
Collagen: Very high
Heirloom Family Tradition
Our grandparents served this stew after long days or during special family gatherings. It’s rustic, nourishing, and a true taste of Morocco — one that brings generations together around the pot.
Make this dish, enjoy the comfort, and pass it on — family traditions start in the kitchen!
Moroccan Sheep Nails Stew (Family Karkar/Kor3a Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Clean and scald the sheep feet, remove any hair, and trim nails.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and salt until fragrant.
- Add the sheep feet and soaked chickpeas. Stir for 5 minutes.
- Pour in water, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until the broth is rich and gelatinous.
- Adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with Moroccan bread and fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
– Let kids help with safe prep tasks or table setting for a family bonding moment.
– Enjoy with salad or mint tea for a balanced meal.
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