If you’re searching for a truly authentic Moroccan comfort food with remarkable health benefits, look no further than Sheep Nails Stew — locally called Karkar or Kor3a. This slow-cooked delicacy, made from sheep feet, is renowned for delivering a silky, collagen-rich broth that supports joints and bones. Deeply rooted in Berber and desert tradition, the stew brings generations together around humble, restorative ingredients.

Table of Contents
Why It’s Special
- Collagen-rich broth: Promotes joint health, skin elasticity, and digestive comfort
- Warming spices: Turmeric, ginger, and cumin add anti-inflammatory benefits
- Rustic tradition: A dish passed down through Moroccan families, often served during cold nights or after fasting
Recipe At a Glance
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2h25
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Intermediate
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
Directions for Moroccan Sheep Nails Stew
- Clean and scald the sheep feet thoroughly, removing any hair and trimming nails as needed.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add chopped onions, garlic, and all spices, stirring gently.
- Add feet and chickpeas; stir for about 5 minutes to combine and infuse flavors.
- Pour in water, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until the broth is rich, gelatinous, and deeply aromatic.
- Serve hot — ideally with traditional Moroccan bread and fresh lemon wedges.
Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving) in Moroccan Sheep Nails Stew
- Calories: ~390
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 10g
- Collagen: Very high
Serving Tips
Moroccan Sheep Nails Stew is best enjoyed on chilly evenings or after fasting. Pair it with warm country bread and a squeeze of lemon for an authentic experience.
Food Blogger’s Note
This is Moroccan soul food in its purest form — rustic, slow-cooked, and absolutely nourishing. The golden collagen-rich broth is deeply satisfying, and the traditional flavors are comforting for both body and spirit. If you’re adventurous or seeking to connect with North African heritage, this is a must-try.

Moroccan Sheep Nails Stew (Traditional Collagen-Rich Soup)
Ingrédients
Equipment
Method
- Clean and scald the sheep feet thoroughly, removing all hair and trimming nails.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir until fragrant.
- Add sheep feet and soaked chickpeas. Stir for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Pour in water, cover, and simmer for 2 hours on low heat until the broth is rich, gelatinous, and aromatic.
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with Moroccan country bread and lemon wedges.
Notes
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: ~390 | Protein: 32g | Fat: 25g | Carbs: 10g | Collagen: Very high
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