There are many treasures to be found in Moroccan society, but few as precious as its delectable cuisine. Appreciating the foods of Morocco isn’t difficult because the unique blend of spices and flavours are undeniably tasty. It says a lot when you can sample a dish and know that it’s Moroccan. Due to the diverse, geographical range of the country, meals in Morocco draw inspiration from both land and sea. Do yourself a huge culinary favour and make sure to give each dish its delicious due. Here are five foods to nosh on when you find yourself in this resplendent country.
Couscous for Everyone
You may have had couscous at a local restaurant or even prepared it at home. However, nothing will compare to the couscous you will taste in Morocco.
This particular semolina-based pasta comes from Berber culture and is considered one of the traditional fares of North Africa. The best couscous is steam cooked over a slow simmering stew. Typically paired with meat (beef, lamb, or chicken) or vegetables, couscous can also be served as a main meal or sweet desert that is akin to rice pudding. Except with Moroccan couscous, the mouth-watering blend of almonds and sugar that is kissed by cinnamon will have you dreaming of this delightful grain dish long after you’ve left the country.
Languish over Lentils
Moroccans understand how to preserve ingredients that can be used for future cooking. Part of the climate is actual desert and, in arid regions, food preservation is fundamental. That is why you will find many Moroccan dishes include legumes like chickpeas, fava beans, and lentils. That is also part of what makes food fare so sumptuous. Lentil soup is a staple dish for the Moroccan people, but it’s a gourmet experience for travellers. Long-simmering vegetables stew together and the lentils draw each ingredient into a deliciously, coherent dish.
Save the Dates
Looking over a Moroccan menu, you’re almost certain to find dates on the list. Cultivated millions of years ago, this sweet fruit of the date palm has long been a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, including the Moroccan region.
One of Morocco’s most flavourful sauces is date sauce. Date sauce is extremely versatile because it can be used with any type of meat, turning an otherwise basic meal into a transcendent encounter.
Lean Tagine
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of a plateful of Chicken Tagine, then you already have an idea of how good it is. In Morocco, this dish goes beyond good. It is simply exquisite. While there are plenty of mouth-watering meat-based dishes to be had, an authentic Moroccan Tagine encapsulates how tart, sweet and savoury manage to blend perfectly. This meal is a tasty trifecta that represents Moroccan cuisine at its finest.
Use Bread Instead
Moroccan tradition generally eschews the use of spoons, forks and knives. Instead of commonplace utensils, people use their hands or bread to scoop up meals — and it only enhances the experience and taste. Served fresh, true Moroccan flatbread, also known as R’ghayef, is made from semolina-based flour. A delightful crisp crust belies the soft, flaky inner layer of the bread. It is divine and must be had.
Bonus Fare: The Mint Condition and Orange Delight
No other region does mint or orange flavouring quite like Morocco does. Mint is a staple herb in Moroccan cuisine and, over time, its flavouring has been incorporated into just about every type of meal. You can taste hints of mint in just about any appetizer, main meal or dessert, but the most celebrated use in found in a refreshing cup of green tea. Moroccan mint green tea is so well-known that it has its own ceremony. The Moroccan tradition is to pour the tea a foot above the glass, giving each serving a bit of froth that enhances its flavour. Prior to serving, the tea is steeped with fresh mint leaves. The result is what makes Moroccan mint tea unlike any other — simple, yet amazing.
Orange blossom water is something you won’t have to order because it will probably be an ingredient in at least one of the meals you sample. From tea to main entrees, Moroccan cuisine makes good use of this flavourful flower. Don’t worry about recognizing the taste because it’s unmistakable. Extraordinary and unique, it will quickly, yet pleasantly, tickle your palate.
Moroccan food is so distinctively appealing and enjoyable that missing one of these foods will be a major misstep. Don’t let that happen. The next time you take a trip to Morocco, commit to give your taste buds a scintillating treat and try one of these dishes. So, dive in and be delighted.
