Morocco is a land in which food is not only sustenance, but a celebration of life, culture and people. Whether it is the spice markets or the hot street vendors, no corner of Morocco does not provide an opportunity to satisfy a taste or smell that is unique and tasty. As a food lover intending to have a food experience in this country, all you need to do is to apply to get a Morocco Visit Visa and then you are all set to taste this delicious food experience.
Moroccan food is a fusion of Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean flavors and makes up a hearty, fragrant, and deeply satisfying food. The combination of sweet and savory, slow-cooked meat, warm spices, and fresh herbs create a Moroccan dish that is hard to forget after it is gone. Now, it is time to take a look at ten famous Moroccan culinary items that every guest to this country must taste at least once.
Here are the 10 Moroccan Foods Every Visitor Should Try
1. Tagine
Tagine is the most popular Moroccan dish, and it is composed of savory stews cooked in a conical clay pot of the same name. Such meats as lamb or chicken are simmered with vegetables, spices, and usually dried fruits such as prunes or apricots. The outcome is a succulent, flavor-filled dish that can be used in dipping bread. There are different kinds of Tagines depending on the region and that is why Tagines is a dish that never tires.
2. Couscous
Couscous is a fluffy grain dish that is served on Fridays and is supplemented with a mixture of meat and vegetables. These are steamed a few times until they have a light texture and then they are soaked in a delicious broth. The customary way is to eat couscous on a single big plate which is shared by the family. Regardless of whether it is vegetarian or meat-based, couscous is a symbol of comfort and solidarity in Moroccan families.
3. Harira
It is a warm soup, which is served during the holy month of Ramadan, but it is delicious any time of the year. Harira is a soup prepared on a tomato, lentil, chickpea base and meat (beef or lamb). It is seasoned with herbs such as cinnamon and ginger and completed with fresh herbs. It is served hot and accompanied by dates or bread and is the best starter of any Moroccan meal.
4. Pastilla
Pastilla is a special Moroccan pie which combines sweet and savory tastes in a crunchy and flaky pastry. It is traditionally prepared using pigeon or chicken and is filled with spiced meat, ground almonds, cinnamon and powdered sugar. Pastilla is usually offered at a wedding or other celebratory events, and it pleasantly shocks your palate with the unusual but successfully combined textures and tastes.
5. Zaalouk
Zaalouk is a hot eggplant and tomato salad, which is easy to make but extremely tasteful. This is a side dish or dip cooked in garlic, olive oil, paprika and cumin. It is soft, smoky and it is usually consumed together with Khobz, the Moroccan bread. Zaalouk is a wonderful way to explore vegetarian dishes in Morocco and it is a popular dish in most of the local restaurants.
6. Rfissa
Rfissa is a Moroccan national food that consists of stewed chicken and lentils served with shredded flatbread (msemen). It has a mixture of spices such as fenugreek and ras el hanout, making it warm and comforting in flavor. This is a dish that is usually served during special occasions and family get-together, particularly when there is a new mother or when there is an event.
7. Mechoui
Mechoui is a complete roasted lamb that is slowly-cooked to perfection usually on an open fire or in an underground oven. The meat is made so tender and only salt and cumin are added to it to allow the natural flavors to come out. It is festive food which is typically eaten at large gatherings or festivals and is pulled off the roast.
8. Kefta Tagine
This meal consists of small meatballs prepared with ground beef or lamb, spiced up with herbs and spices and simmered in a thick tomato sauce. Occasionally, eggs may be beaten in to the sauce at the end to make it richer. Kefta Tagine is usually served very hot in its earthenware and it is an ideal dish to eat with a piece of hot bread, hence it is a very common comfort food.
9. Baghrir
Baghrir, also called thousand-hole pancakes, is a soft, spongy semolina pancake usually served as breakfast or snacks. The small holes enable butter and honey to absorb into them giving them a melt in the mouth feel. These pancakes are fluffy, a bit chewy and they are usually accompanied by a glass of mint tea thus making them a wonderful way to begin the day.
10. Mint Tea
Moroccan mint tea is not just a drink, it is part of culture. It is prepared with green tea, fresh mint leaves and lots of sugar, poured in small glasses in a high way to form a light foam. Mint tea is a symbol of hospitality and it is served everywhere, including family houses and roadside stands.
Conclusion
The Moroccan cuisine is a delicious representation of its culture and friendly people. Whether it is tender tagines and fluffy couscous or crispy pastilla and sweet mint tea, each dish has a story behind it. Be it the street-side food or home cooked food, the taste is bound to impress you.
In order to experience all these foodies, you should apply to your Morocco Visit Visa in advance. You will definitely feel at home as soon as you get there, with empty stomachs and empty plates, to discover the flavors, smells, and customs that make Moroccan food so memorable.