Around the World: Moroccan Cuisine

Amidst coronavirus, I’m sticking to what I – and a lot of other people – love most: cooking and baking.  One challenge I’ve presented to myself is to make a dish (or dishes) of international cuisines every week, learn some words from the language, and e-visit some of the country’s landmarks.  Some of these dishes will be more complex than others, based on what ingredients I have available in the house. 

Morocco admittedly was not on my radar for a cuisine to explore, until I 1) saw a Somebody Feed Phil episode on Marakkesh, and 2) my friend’s online Airbnb gift of a Moroccan cooking class, hosted by the lovely Najlae. Moroccan cuisine is influenced by European and Mediterranean flavors, as well as African and Middle Eastern.

So here we go to make chickpea tagine and a Moroccan crepe!

DISH #1: CHICKPEA TAGINE (GF + V)

This Moroccan dish is the best example of a hearty, saucy, and spiced stew that’ll warm you on any day. Dating back to the late 18th century when Harun al-Rashid ruled the Islamic Empire, tagine is traditionally made with meat or fish and vegetables, slow-cooked in a shallow earthenware – called a tagine. The bottom is wide and its used for both cooking and serving. Spices often include turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, and paprika. Najlae said that tagine is eaten on nearly an everyday basis, but is altered to include a rotation of meats or a preserved lemon version of it. Tagine is sometimes topped off with dried fruits and nuts and served with couscous. Couscous, or tiny balls of wheat semolina, is often referred to as the national dish of Morocco, making appearances in a variety of dishes, from salads to stews.

Najlae noted that Moroccans generally eat meat, but not in large quantities. She had never made chickpea tagine before, so this was her first 🙂

Recipe: Clean Eating’s Chickpea Tagine

DISH #2: MSEMMEN (V)

This has to be one of my favorite breads from the Around the World series. Msemmen is considered to be a Moroccan street food (much like the French crepe), and are made sweet or savory for either breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Najlae recommended the traditional sweet version, which is drizzled with mild honey, which I followed and fell in love with – so much that I ate two. The savory version is stuffed, similar to an Indian paratha. I can also imagine this with a sweetened roasted almond butter with cinnamon, or even a side of Trinidadian chickpea doubles.

Recipe: Maroc Mama’s Msemmen

• Note: I used a 1:1 ratio of flour to fine semolina

USEFUL WORDS

Arabic is the official language of Morocco.

Greetings

• Ahlan –> Hello
• SabaaH al-khayr –> Good morning
  • RESPONSE: SabaaH an-nuur –> Morning of light
• Masaa’ al-khayr –> Good evening
  • RESPONSE: Masaa’ an-nuur –> Evening of light
• Kayf Haalak? –> How are you?
  • RESPONSE: Bi-khayr, al-Hamdu lillah –> Fine, praise God
• Ma’ al-salāmah –> Goodbye, with peace
  • RESPONSE: Fī amān Allāh –> in God’s protection
• Wadān ‘an –> Farewell

Conversation

• Mā ismak? (male) or Mā ismik? (female) –> What’s your name?
  • RESPONSE: Ismee ___ –> My name is ___
• Min ayn anta? (male) or Min ayn anti? (female) –> Where are you from?
  • RESPONSE: Anā min ____ –> I’m from ___
• Motasharefon bema’refatek (male) or Motasharefatun bema’refatek (female) –> Pleased to meet you
• Shukran –> Thank you
• Madha tuhibu ‘an tafael? –> What do you like to do?
  • RESPONSE: ‘Ana ‘uhibu ‘ana … –> I like to …
    • Iltabakh –> to cook
    • Lilraqas –> to dance
    • Lilsafar –> to travel

LANDMARKS

Djemma el-Fna Square, Marrakech

Snake-charmers and juice vendors populate one of the oldest markets in the world. Street dancers, acrobats, henna artists, and all sorts of entertainers suddenly appear and begin their performance. Below’s just a preview of what walking through this market is like.

Majorelle Garden, Marrakech

This was former home of the designer Yves Saint Laurent, which now features a botanical collection and a mini Islamic Art Museum. 

Chefchaouen

This is also one of Morocco’s main hiking and trekking destinations and a starting point and organization center for Rif Mountains walks.

Medina of Essaouira

The Essaouira medina – once known as Mogador – is one of Morocco’s most mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage sites. Located on the Moroccan coast, Essaouira transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a significant seaport town.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little tour of Morocco. Ilá al-liqāʾ (until next time)!