Location on the map of Marrakech And Center Region (Morocco)

Discover popular Moroccan dishes in a Moroccan cooking class

Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful spices, and the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients, such as the Marrakesh oil. If you’re interested in learning more about the Moroccan cooking, attending a cooking class in Morocco is an excellent way to explore the country’s culinary culture.

A Moroccan cooking class is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant food culture of Morocco. In a traditional Moroccan cooking class, you can expect to learn about the essential spices and ingredients used in Moroccan cooking, such as cumin, coriander, paprika, saffron, and turmeric. You’ll also learn about the importance of Moroccan olive oil in cooking, which is often used as a base for many dishes.

Moroccan cooking class

Photo: Moroccan cooking class.

Morocco Food Culture

Moroccan cuisine is a reflection of the country’s rich cultural and culinary history. It’s a blend of Arabic, Mediterranean, Andalusian, Berber, and French influences, which makes it a unique and diverse cuisine. Moroccan food is known for its bold spices, aromatic herbs, and slow-cooking techniques that bring out the flavors of the ingredients.

Moroccan soup harira

TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN CUISINE

Traditional Moroccan cuisine is a unique blend of North African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern influences, characterized by its bold flavors, use of spices, and diverse array of ingredients.

Some of the most popular Moroccan dishes include:

  • Tagine
  • Couscous
  • Harira
  • B’stilla
  • Pastilla
  • Mint tea
  • Pastries
  • Preserved lemons
Moroccan couscous

MOROCCAN SPICES

Morocco is known for its rich and diverse cuisine, which relies heavily on a variety of spices to create complex and flavorful dishes.

Here are some of the most commonly used Moroccan spices:

  • Ras el Hanout: This is a blend of anywhere from 10 to 100 spices, which can vary depending on the region or the individual seller.

  • Cumin: Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor and is used in many Moroccan dishes, such as tagines, stews, and soups.

  • Paprika: Moroccan paprika is a sweet and smoky spice that’s made from dried, ground peppers.

  • Ginger: Fresh ginger is used in many Moroccan dishes, especially in tagines and couscous dishes. It has a spicy and slightly sweet flavor.

  • Saffron: Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, and it’s used sparingly in Moroccan cuisine. It adds a distinctive flavor and bright yellow color to dishes like chicken or lamb tagine.

  • Cinnamon: It adds warmth and depth of flavor to stews and tagines, and is also used in desserts like pastries and cookies.

  • Turmeric: Has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and is often used to add color to dishes like tagines and couscous.

Moroccan spices
  • Coriander: Both the seeds and leaves of the coriander plant are used in Moroccan cooking. The seeds have a slightly sweet, citrusy flavor, while the leaves, known as cilantro, are often used as a garnish.

The combinations and quantities of these spices vary depending on the dish and the region, but they all contribute to the unique and delicious flavors of Moroccan food.

Moroccan Olive Oil

Moroccan olive oil is a high-quality, flavorful oil produced in Morocco. Olive oil production is an important part of the agricultural industry in Morocco, and the country is home to a wide variety of olive cultivars that produce a range of unique flavors.

It is typically made using traditional methods and it is used for both cooking and as a condiment. Moroccan olive oil is also known for its health benefits. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are considered healthy fats that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. The oil is also a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can help protect against cell damage and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Two popular types of olive oil in Morocco are Morocco Gold olive oil and Moroccan extra virgin olive oil. Both of these olive oils are made from high-quality olives and have a rich and fruity flavor that enhances the taste of Moroccan dishes.

Moroccan Olive Oil

One of the essential ingredients in Moroccan cooking is olive oil

Harira Soup

One of the most popular Moroccan dishes is harira soup, which is a hearty and flavorful soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and various spices, such as cumin, ginger, and cinnamon. This soup typically contains small pieces of lamb or beef, but it can also be made without meat for a vegetarian version. Harira soup is often served with dates or other sweet treats. It is a popular and nourishing dish that is enjoyed by Moroccans and many others around the world.

In a cooking class, you can learn how to make harira soup from scratch, including how to blend the spices and vegetables to achieve the perfect flavor.

Moroccan Harira soup is a traditional soup that is commonly served during Ramadan and other special occasions in Morocco

Moroccan Harira soup

COUS COUS RECIPE OR HOW TO MAKE COUS COUS

Couscous is a staple in Moroccan cuisine. Contrary to popular belief, couscous is not a grain, but rather a type of pasta made from semolina flour. To make couscous, it is better to use a special pot called a couscousiere. The pot has a bottom section for boiling the vegetables and a top section for steaming the couscous. You add the Moroccan spices such as cinnamon, coriander, and saffron to the vegetables to infuse the couscous with flavor. Once the couscous is cooked, you may add Morocco Gold olive oil to give it a rich and nutty flavor.

Here’s a recipe for making couscous:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions:

  • 1

    In a medium-sized pot, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil.

  • 2
    Add the olive oil and salt to the boiling water, then remove from h