Moroccan cuisine is a delight for travellers. Through its tastes, flavours, smells and colours, it is an inexhaustible source of discovery and change of scenery.
In Morocco, it is mainly women who cook. While this rule suffers some exceptions induced by the obligations of the modern world, traditionally it is still more often the woman who is responsible for feeding her family. To do this, revenues are scarce. The know-how is passed on from generation to generation, orally and by example, from mother to daughter.
Moroccan cuisine appeals to a multiplicity of tastes where the border between sweet and salty seems much less marked than in the West. The mixture of flavours produces a very Moroccan sweetness. Vegetables are often served sweet and colourful, offering our palate and our eyes an amazing result, sometimes very close to the delicacy.
Naturally, Mediterranean products dominate and olive oil is a central and essential ingredient.
Meat is very present, mainly sheep, chicken and beef. They are most often served braised, after having simmered for long hours in clay dishes.
Seasoning is the hallmark of Moroccan cuisine. Herbs and spices are used very extensively. They give the dishes their flavour but they also make the talent of the cook: the art of adapting dishes with the many multicoloured spices whose stalls so typical decorate the markets of the old city, is the first of the qualities of the Moroccan cook.
We will end the meal with traditional honey-based pastries or the famous gazelle horns that will delight the gourmands…. if not dieticians…
The traditional Moroccan meal is served with the fingers – hence the importance of impeccable hand hygiene – and with the right hand only. But cutlery is now used and available everywhere.
During meals, it is common for guests to say the word "Bismillah" which literally means "In the name of God". It is a question of both thanking God for this meal and dedicating it to him.
Finally, in Morocco, the dishes are always very hearty and it is not considered impolite not to finish your plate. On the contrary. Because the kitchen here is generous.
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