Nestled at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Morocco has a diverse cultural heritage that is reflected in its cuisine. The country's unique geographical location and history have influenced the ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavors of Moroccan food.
Today, we're going to take a look at what makes Moroccan cuisine so special and answer the question: "What does Moroccan food taste like?".
Whether you're traveling to Morocco soon, thinking about visiting a local Moroccan restaurant, or want a little taste of it in your home, this is for you!
The Essence of Traditional Moroccan Cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is a blend of Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean influences. It's a reflection of the country's rich history and cultural diversity. The use of spices, herbs, nuts, and fruits in Moroccan dishes can be traced back to the ancient trading routes that connected Morocco with distant lands.
Spices are one of the most important part of Moroccan cuisine. They LOVE their spice.
These range from some more common ones that you may know such as cumin, turmeric, ginger, paprika, coriander, and saffron, to many others you've probably never have heard of.... Some of their spice blends have as many as 35 different spices mixed together for a unique flavor.
These spices are used to enhance the flavor of dishes, rather than overpowering them.
The traditional cooking techniques used in Morocco involve slow-cooking or stewing over open fires. Most of the time these are thick broths that include meats and vegetables. Here you won't find much that is cooked in an oven.
Instead they use a brazier (majmar) for frying, boiling, and grilling, as well as for dishes such as casseroles or stews. The slow cooking allows for the flavors to blend perfectly, creating a rich and flavorful dish.
What Does Moroccan Breakfast Look Like?
Starting off with Moroccan breakfast, it is a hearty and filling meal. It's not uncommon for locals to eat a large breakfast in the morning before heading out for the day. Let's take a look at some popular dishes that you might find on a traditional Moroccan breakfast table:
Bread and spreads: A staple in almost every Moroccan meal, bread is typically served with a variety of spreads, including cheese, honey, jam, and Amlou (a paste made from almonds, argan oil, and honey).
Beghrir: Also known as "thousand-hole pancakes", these spongy pancakes are served with butter and honey or syrup.
Mint tea: A staple drink in Moroccan culture, mint tea (also known as "Berber whiskey") is served with sugar and fresh mint leaves.
Fried eggs: Eggs are a common breakfast item in Morocco, often served with herbs and spices or as part of a dish such as Shakshouka (eggs cooked in a tomato-based sauce).
What Does Moroccan Lunch Look Like?
Lunch is typically the main meal of the day in Morocco. It's a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy a leisurely meal together. Here are some popular dishes you might find on a Moroccan lunch table:
Tagine: This traditional slow-cooked stew is named after the clay pot it is cooked in. It usually consists of meat (such as chicken, lamb, or beef), vegetables, and spices. Some popular tagine dishes include chicken with preserved lemons and olives or lamb with apricots and prunes.
Couscous: A staple in Moroccan cuisine, couscous is made from semolina grains and often served with meat or vegetables on top. It's usually steamed multiple times for a fluffy texture and served with a flavorful broth.
Harira: This hearty soup is often considered the national dish of Morocco. It's made from a base of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and meat (usually lamb or beef) and seasoned with spices such as ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. Harira is often served during Ramadan to break the fast at sunset.
Pastilla: This savory-sweet dish is a unique blend of flavors and textures. It typically consists of layers of flaky pastry filled with chicken and spices such as cinnamon and saffron. It's usually served as an appetizer or main dish during special occasions.
Unlike countries like here in the US, but much more like Ethiopians, Moroccans tend to eat with their hands and use bread. There are some dishes like couscous that they will use utensils for, but in general, it is common to find people using their hands and bread as a utensil.
What Does Moroccan Dinner Look Like?
Dinner in Morocco is usually a lighter meal compared to lunch. It's often served later in the evening and can be a mix of dishes from both breakfast and lunch. Some common dinner options include:
Briouats: These delicious savory pastries are filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and then fried until crispy.
Sardines: Being a coastal country, Morocco is known for its fresh seafood. Sardines are a popular dinner option, often served grilled or fried and seasoned with herbs and spices. In fact, Morocco is the worlds largest exporter in canned sardines.
Harcha: This pan-fried bread made from semolina flour is a common accompaniment to dinner dishes. It's often served with honey, jam, or cheese.
Zaalouk: This eggplant and tomato salad is a popular side dish in Moroccan cuisine. It's seasoned with spices and herbs such as cumin, paprika, and cilantro.
Marinated olives and tomato salad: An assortment of marinated olives and a light salad made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions often accompany dinner as well.
Where to Savor Moroccan Delights In The USA
If you're not able to travel to Morocco, there are still plenty of options to taste the flavors of this vibrant country in the US. Many Moroccan restaurants have opened up across the country, offering an authentic experience with a wide range of dishes on their menus.
The best way to find a local Moroccan restaurant near you is to just use Google Maps or Apple Maps and search for "Moroccan restaurants near me." You'll likely find a variety of options to choose from.
You can also recreate Moroccan dishes at home by experimenting with spices and flavors, or by finding recipes online or in cookbooks. Here are 26 Moroccan recipes if you're up for the challenge!
The Enchanting Sizzle of Moroccan Madness
No exploration of Moroccan cuisine is complete without a nod to a bit of spice. Which is why if you're looking to try some Moroccan inspired flavors, you're going to want to try the Moroccan Maddness hot sauce.
Moroccan Madness is a collaboration between KTB and Mikey V, a flavor-forward blend that brings the heat and the authentic spices that transport your taste buds to Morocco. The sauce is made a blend of chili peppers, spices, and herbs that create a truly Moroccan inspired hot sauce.
Embarking on a Culinary Journey: The Moroccan Way
As you can see, Moroccan cuisine is a rich and diverse fusion of flavors influenced by centuries of cultural exchange. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, each meal in Morocco is an experience to be savored and shared with loved ones.
Whether you're savoring the sweet and savory blend of a pastilla, enjoying the communal experience of sharing a tagine, or awakening your taste buds with Moroccan Madness hot sauce, each dish offers a window into Morocco's soul.