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Traditional Moroccan Recipes
Today we want to offer you some information about traditional Moroccan Recipes. Morocco is geographically located in the north-west corner of Africa. The country is slightly larger in area than California, USA and it has three different regions. The northern coast of Morocco along the Mediterranean sea is the most fertile land and rises to heights of about 8,000 feet. Moreover, the Atlas mountains start from the Atlantic coast, southwest, and runs to the Mediterranean Sea on the northeastern side. Last, but not least, the semiarid region is in the east and south region, the Western Sahara, and connects Morocco to the vast Sahara Desert.
Morocco, since ancient times, faces problems with desertification which is caused by forces of mother nature such as inadequate rainfall or drought. However, in the northwest region of Morocco agriculture thrives, except when there is a severe drought. Therefore, farmers in Morroco can supply citizens with enough food.
The History of Traditional Moroccan Recipes
The Berbers, Nomads, were the first inhabitants of this country more than 2,000 years ago. They brought stable dishes in the traditional Moroccan food such as couscous and tagine The Berbers used local ingredients including dates, figs, and olives to prepare poultry and lamb stews. However, other ingredients are being used today to prepare these stews Of traditional Moroccan food.
After the Berbers inhabited the land, Morocco got the opportunity to experience the tradition of the Arabs. When the Arabs occupied the region during the 7th Century, they brought grains and bread meals to the traditional Moroccan food. Some of the well-known spices that were brought by the Arabs include saffron, caraway, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, and many more.
Additionally, the Arabs also came with a new cooking technique different from that of the Moroccans known as the sweet-and-sour cooking. This technique involved a combination of different flavors inherited from the Persian tradition.
As time moved on, other prominent ethnic groups left their tradition on the Moroccan traditional food. The Moors introduced olives and their juice as well as introducing new ways to preserve pickles. After that, came the Ottoman Empire that brought the concept of barbeque kebabs to the Moroccan traditional food. Nowadays, Moroccan traditional food involves the use of different spices from different traditions for extra flavor to spotlight the taste of the kebabs and add more value to them.
Alongside the eastern touch, Morocco is among the few privileged countries in Africa to experience the influence of the best culture of the Western World. After the arrival of the French Colony, the Frenchmen brought their food culture including baking, the culture of cafes, and even wine to their traditional Morrocan food further improving the diversity of the country.
Today, it is quite difficult to distinguish the distinct Morrocan tradition through their traditional Moroccan food. Over time, their traditional dishes have had dramatic changes that have added to their cooking techniques and the taste of food.
Old Style Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Cooking, and Food
Unlike most of the African countries, Morocco produces enough food to feed its citizens. The country has many home-grown vegetables and fruits such as melons, oranges, sweet and hot peppers, melons, and potatoes. Other native products crucial in the traditional Moroccan food include almonds, olives, dates, lemons, and figs.
Since the country is located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, it is rich in seafood and fish. Beef is not abundant thus their dishes are comprised of either poultry or lamb. The flat and round Moroccan bread is consumed at every meal. On top of that, the national Moroccan dish is the poultry and lamb stew, which is known as a tajine.
Other popular ingredients include prunes, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, lemons, and other vegetables. The tajine, just like other meals in Morocco, is recognized for its unique flavoring that comes from ginger, cumin, coriander, ground red pepper, cinnamon, and other spices. The tajine’s name originates from the unique earthenware that has a cone-shaped top in which it is served and even cooked. Another staple dietary of the traditional Moroccan food is couscous, which is made from fine grains obtained from a wheat product called semolina. The dish is served in a variety of ways with meat, vegetables, or seafood.
Moreover, sweets are very crucial in traditional Moroccan food. Each household boasts a supply of homemade sweets and desserts that are made from honey, almond, and other ingredients. Mint tea is made and served with every meal in the country. The tea is sweetened while it is being made, still in the pot.
Modern Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Cooking and Food
Arabs, being a Muslim religion, have a dietary restriction that prohibits the consumption of alcohol and pork. This is not just an old-style Moroccan culture, but it is still practiced in modern Moroccan food cooking and food.
During the holy Ramadan season, where Muslims fast in the daytime, they are served with a thick soup at night, which goes by the name harira. This bowl of thick soup is made with lamb and beans and served with fresh dates. The dish is served in cafes and at home. During Eid al-Fitr, to make the end of Ramadan, the Muslims celebrate a holiday feat. A common dish known as bisteeya is cooked with pigeon meat and then wrapped using pastry dough. The meal is made with over 100 layers of pastry dough.
The Moroccans have their meals at low round tables while sitting on cushions spread on the floor. They do not use silverware, instead, they use their hands using their thumb and the first two fingers of the right hand. The citizens also use the pieces of bread to soak sauces and also carry food to their mouths. Most of the meal comprises of a single main dish, a couscous dish, stew or a hearty soup.
The meal is served with cold vegetables, salad, bread, or rice. Although Moroccans love sweets, they are meant for special occasions and the most popular dessert is fresh fruits. Traditional Moroccan food is famous due to the wide range of tasty foods that are sold by street vendors.
In conclusion, the Traditional Moroccan recipes variety has undergone a wide diversification and is one of the spicy dishes served by the African culture. This article has given you most if not all the traditional Moroccan dishes and leaves you in a better position to choose your favorite meal anytime you visit the country.
Now On to Our 21 Traditional Moroccan Recipes
1. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan Stew with Chickpeas & Sweet Potatoes
2. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Stewed Moroccan Beans
3. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan Meatballs ~ Kefta Tagine
4. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Taktouka Salad
5. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Beghrir or Moroccan Pancakes
Beghrir are rarely eaten plain. Instead, a sweet topping transforms them into a special breakfast or tea time treat. Moroccans are most likely to enjoy them dipped in a syrup made from butter and honey; or they might be served with butter, honey and preserves or jam on the side.
6. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Saucy Moroccan-Spiced Lentils
7. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan Lamb Tagine
8. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan Vegetable Stew
Spices are what take this dish from basic to expert level! Spices are a great way to enhance any dish, from savory to sweet. We love to experiment with them and create our own blends!
9. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan Meatballs
Every time I discover a new recipe from a different country, I get amazed by how people can be creative and how different ingredients cooked in different ways, bring in variety of flavors, just like this meatball dish. What I have today is a very simple dish, very few ingredients, and require short time to prepare. Yet I promise that you’d love to cook it again and again.
10 Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Braised Moroccan Chicken and Olives
11. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan Couscous
This recipe cooks in 15 minutes, and a few simple touches like subtle spices, golden raisins, and pine nuts make it taste special enough to serve at a holiday meal.
12. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan Chicken
13. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan Chicken Tagine
14. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan Rfisa
15. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Roasted Moroccan-Style Vegetables
16. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan Chicken Couscous Bowl
Nothing better and more filling than a nice bowl filled with protein and veggies. All the goodness in one bowl. Easy to put together and so delicious you would want to make this Moroccan Chicken Couscous Bowl recipe weekly. They are perfect to pack on the go as well.
Moroccan food is very well known to have very bold flavors. They are loaded with different spices to give them that bursting bold flavors. Spices used to make up the Moroccan spice mix are cinnamon, cumin, ground ginger, black and/or white pepper, saffron, turmeric, hot red peppers, sesame seed, sweet paprika, and aniseed.
17. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan-Style Lamb Shanks
I can recall the thick noise of the Friday night market in Marrakech. Our group of photographers sat on a rooftop diner looking out as the sun set and the hundreds of lights sparkled life into the crowded market. I was in awe. So many people were milling through the market. There was music, craftsmen, spices, fruits, herbs, olives (so many olives), candies, and pastries all tempting the crowds.
18. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Quick Moroccan Shrimp Skillet
19. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan Chicken Tagine Pockets
I enjoy shredded chicken dishes, Moroccan seasonings and pita sandwiches. The addition of the carrot salad laced with dates and pomegranate seeds lends an extra punch and crunch. Mini flour tortillas can be substituted for pitas
20. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea
21. Traditional Moroccan Recipes – Moroccan Stuffed Mushrooms
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