Moroccan cuisine: diversity of flavours and authenticity of traditionsintroduction
Moroccan cuisine is one of the finest and richest cuisines in the world, blending Berber, Arab, Andalusian, African and French influences to create dishes that are unique in their flavour and authenticity. Moroccan cuisine is characterised by the use of aromatic spices, fresh natural ingredients and traditional cooking methods that enhance the flavour of the dishes.
The most famous Moroccan dishes1. Couscous
Couscous is the national dish of Morocco, a dish made from steamed wheat semolina, served with cooked vegetables and meat or chicken. Friday is traditionally the day couscous is eaten in many Moroccan homes.
2. Tagine
- Meat Tagine with Prunes: A combination of sweet and salty, where meat is cooked with spices and candied plums. Chicken Tagine with Olives and Pickled Lemons: One of the most famous traditional Moroccan dishes.
Tagine is not only the name of the dish, but also refers to the clay pot it is cooked in. Tagine is prepared in different ways, including:
3. Harira
It is a nutrient-rich Moroccan soup made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, meat, and spices, and is consumed in large quantities during the month of Ramadan as a main meal for breakfast.
4. Bastilla
A luxurious Moroccan dish that combines sweet and salty tastes, prepared with thin dough stuffed with chicken or fish, almonds, cinnamon, and spices, then decorated with powdered sugar.
5. Msemen and Baghrir
They are two types of traditional Moroccan pancakes, where Msemen is served in a square shape after being cooked on a saj, while Baghrir is round and full of holes, and is eaten with honey and butter.
6. Traditional Moroccan drinks
- Moroccan Mint Tea: A symbol of Moroccan hospitality, it is prepared with fresh mint, sugar, and Chinese green tea.
- Natural Orange Juice: Thanks to the abundance of citrus fruits in Morocco, it is a refreshing and popular drink.
Essential spices and ingredients in Moroccan cuisine
Moroccan cuisine relies on a mixture of aromatic spices that give it its distinctive flavors, including:
Ras el Hanout: A mixture of spices consisting of cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and cumin.
Saffron: Used to give a golden color and a unique flavor.
Cinnamon: Used in many sweet and salty dishes.
Olives and argan oil: Essential ingredients in Moroccan cuisine.