Morocco is one of the fascinating countries in the world for foodies to visit. It’s the origin of several unusual spices and condiments, including the vibrant tagine. The flavor is what first comes when you think about Moroccan cuisine. It’s a sensory overload in all the greatest ways. Tourism-wise, Morocco is well-known and requires no introduction. It’s one of Africa‘s top tourist destinations year after year. Although there are many great reasons to go to Morocco, the cuisine is among the very finest.
Moroccan food, often considered one of the world’s best, is known for its use of complex spices and novel flavor combinations. Consider the unexpected delight of a rich pigeon meat pie sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar or sardines covered with a flavorful blend of coriander, parsley, cumin, and a touch of chili; or try the Moroccan tagine with chopped preserved lemon peel and tart green olives. Moroccan cuisine is a distinct blend of flavors owing much to its influences from Andalusian Spain, Arabia, and France.
If you’re the kind of tourist who enjoys immersing themselves in a new culture via its cuisine, you shouldn’t leave Morocco without trying these top 5 cuisines.
Couscous
It is a dish made of tiny grains of semolina made from durum wheat, and it is quite popular in the Maghreb. The manufacturing of couscous is now entirely mechanical, although previously, it was created by sprinkling semolina with water and rolling the mixture by hand to make little pellets. After that, the pellets are dusted with flour in order to keep them distinct while they are being screened. Any pellets that are too small to pass through the screen are rerolled until they reach the desired thickness. A meat or vegetable stew is often spooned on top of couscous when it is served, and it is traditionally served in a big ceramic bowl or plate.
Tagine
Tagine is the second most well-known meal that is typical of Moroccan cuisine, after couscous. It is also the most eye-catching since it may refer to both traditional Berber food as well as the one-of-a-kind cooking pot that is used to prepare it. The name tagine originates from the Berber word tajin, which may be translated as “shallow earthen kettle.” It is available in a variety of sizes and may be glazed or left in its natural state. Because of the earthy tastes that are released into cooked foods while using unglazed tagines, most chefs prefer to utilize them.
The steam is captured by the cone-like form of the tagine, and the condensed moisture is then sent back down to the dish that is simmering below. This minimizes the quantity of water that is required to slowly boil harder portions of meat in order to tenderize them. Not only does this preserve the meat as moist and tender as it possibly can be, but it is also an efficient technique of cooking in regions where there is a scarcity of water supply. Tagines may be observed simmering away in the kitchens of every roadside café, can be found in the kitchens of every household, and can be found in high-end restaurants. Bread is always served with tagines.
Harira
In the cuisines of Morocco and Algeria, harira is a flavorful soup made with chickpeas, lentils, and tomato as the foundation ingredient. It is possible to drink it at any time of the year; however, during the holy month of Ramadan when it is traditionally used to break the fast, its popularity skyrockets. Cooks have their own unique ways of preparing harira, but the dish is commonly prepared with tomatoes, chickpeas, lentils, onions, rice, eggs, flour, herbs, and spices. The viscosity of the soup after it has been thickened with eggs or a tedouira combination of flour and water is referred to as harira, which is derived from the Arabic word for “silk” and corresponds to the origin of the term harira.
It is possible to impart the taste of beef, lamb, or chicken into the stock; however, any of these items may be left out entirely in order to prepare a vegetarian version of the soup. Fillers like rice or vermicelli are often used, while typical flavors include cilantro, parsley, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. Rice or vermicelli are frequently used.
Fish Chermoula
Chermoula often spelled charmoula, is the name of a classic marinade or relish that is frequently used in North African cookery. In the cuisines of Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria, it is most often used to season fish and seafood dishes; however, it may also be used to season meat, poultry, and vegetables. It is particularly popular in the cuisine of Morocco.
There are many different ways to prepare chermoula, but traditionally it is created with garlic, salt, olive oil, freshly chopped herbs and spices, and an acidic component like vinegar or lemon juice. There are many different ways to prepare chermoula. Coriander, parsley, cumin, paprika, harissa, turmeric, and black pepper are some of the most frequent herbs and spices used; however, recipes in different regions call for quite different combinations of these ingredients.
Maakouda
Maakouda is a sort of potato fritter that is prepared by frying mashed potatoes, then adding sautéed onions, garlic, cumin, and cilantro to the mixture before frying it again. It is a meal that has its roots in Algeria but has recently gained popularity in Morocco and Tunisia as well. Maakouda may be enjoyed in different ways. It is possible to consume it in the capacity of an appetizer, a side dish, or as a filling for a sandwich. During summer, it enjoys an even greater level of popularity than its usual status as a Moroccan street food.
Moroccan food is often regarded as one of the finest cuisines in the world. It is characterized by a rich use of delicate spices and fascinating flavor combinations. If you are a food lover and a travel lover at the same time, then Morocco is the best place to visit or you. You can visit on your own, but it is recommended to plan your visit with a travel agency Morocco such as Explore Inside Morocco.
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