What is Moroccan food and cooking reasons?

Answer 1

Moroccan food is characterized by a wide variety of spices, seasonal vegetables and fruits, as well as nuts and seeds. Many of the dishes are similar to what we know as stew in the United States. The huge difference is that the Moroccan stews are called Tajines (tazheens) after the style of cooking pot in which they are prepared. Typical spices include cinnamon, clove, cayenne pepper, dried red peppers, cardamom, honey, almonds, dried apricots, Prunes and dates. The protein is mostly lamb, beef, chicken or goat (hard to find in the U.S.) and owing to Morocco's proximity to the Mediterranean, there are many delicious fish dishes. Vegetables include carrots, onions, shallots, sweet potatoes, various kinds of squash, potatoes, tomatoes and other indigenous vegetables. Preparing traditional Moroccan meals takes a bit of time, as everything is fresh. The food tends from a bit spicy hot to higher intensities sure to make you sweat. Of course, you don't have to use as much pepper as may be called for. From start to serving requires about three and a half hours; one hour of prep and two and a half cooking time. A good Tajine is worth the effort. The main dishes are served with various kinds of couscous. Meat is NOT an essential in Moroccan food and vegetarians and vegans will find a rich offering of suitable dishes. While you can purchase a genuine clay Tajine for cooking, this is not necessary as a ceramic or heavy metal Dutch oven will do as well. Should you buy a clay Tajune, be sure to also purchase a heat diffuser to cover the burner and serve as a base on which to cook. Remember, too, to bring the clay Tajine up to heat gradually and never pour cold liquid in a hot Tajine. Cooking Moroccan is fun and the flavors will definitely pleasantly surprise you. And, oh, a Moroccan Tajine meal often mellows over night and tastes even better the next day. Just prepare the couscous on the same day as you serve it..