I very much enjoy cooking foods from all over the world, but I generally specialize in those of Northern Africa, extending into Persia. At least several times per weeks, fragrant spices are being tossed onto some food that I am preparing for dinner.
With a deep appreciation for local flavors, we decided to dive hands-first into Moroccan gastronomy with a local cooking class. Despite having some prior experience preparing Northern African cuisine, the opportunity to refine my techniques, learn from local experts, and engage with other food enthusiasts sounded incredibly exciting. We chose and afternoon/evening class with cookinmarrakech, and it proved to be a fantastic decision.
Our class began not in a kitchen, but with a meeting near a local market. This was our first lesson in Moroccan freshness: procuring ingredients for the evening’s dishes. It was a stark, invigorating contrast to the typical supermarket runs back home, emphasizing the farm (or garden!) and table. We sourced everything from plump tomatoes to fragrant herbs, seeing firsthand the quality of local produce. In total, our menu involved preparing four distinct tagines—chicken, beef, lamb, and a vibrant vegetable option—alongside two classic appetizers: a smoky aubergine salad and Tektouka, a delicious cooked pepper and tomato salad. And, of course, no Moroccan culinary experience is complete without freshly brewed Moroccan mint tea!
From Market to Mastery: The Art of Moroccan Meal Prep
Following our immersive market experience, our group of approximately ten gathered in the welcoming kitchen to collectively contribute to the meal’s preparation. The initial phase focused on meal prep: chopping mountains of fresh vegetables, peeling onions and garlic, and, most importantly, preparing the intricate blends of spices—essential components for almost all of the evening’s dishes. Each student eagerly contributed to the prep, gaining invaluable insights into the region’s complex spice profiles and new cooking techniques from our talented instructors.
After the groundwork of meal prep was complete, it was time for the true construction of our feast. We progressed systematically, starting with dishes requiring longer cooking times, such as the hearty meat tagines, and moving on to those needing less time to simmer to perfection. This portion of the class was notably aromatic. As spices were incorporated, meats gently simmered, and vegetables rendered down, the kitchen became a symphony of rich, evolving fragrances, building anticipation with every delicious waft.
The Fruits of Our Labor: A Shared Feast
Upon the completion of our culinary endeavors, the moment of truth arrived: everyone indulged in the final products. Each dish offered distinct and satisfying flavors, a testament to the fresh ingredients and the techniques we had learned. It was a joy to share the meal with our fellow participants, discussing our favorite dishes and comparing notes. A vote among the group confirmed the Kefta tagine, featuring savory beef meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, as the evening’s undisputed favorite.
This hands-on experience provided valuable additions to my culinary repertoire, and the methods learned will undoubtedly enhance future meals back home. In fact it was my first trip to Morocco that inspired me to buy my own tagine. Tagines are significantly more expensive here in the United States, so if you can afford the sizable carry-on, it is a great thing to bring back home; else here is the tagine that I purchased.
Cooking with local experts like @ahmed_bakhach and @chef_hassan was an absolute pleasure, and I extend my sincere thanks to them and the entire cookinmarrakech team for facilitating such a great evening! It was a delicious and deeply rewarding way to connect with Moroccan culture. What’s your go-to Moroccan dish to cook at home?
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Helpful Links
- Marrakech Travel Guide: Must-See Attractions and Local Flavors
- Marrakech Cooking Class
- The Tagine that I Use at Home
- Ras El Hanout Seasoning – Ancient Moroccan Blend of Spices
- Riad Jennah Rouge: The hostel we stayed at.
- Free Walking Tours in Marrakech
- UNESCO World Heritage Site page for Medina of Marrakech
- Official Moroccan Ministry of Culture Website
- Things You Can Only Buy in Morocco
- Morocco Shopping Guide: The Best Things to Buy
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