The FIFA World Cup 2022 has gripped the world with its rather exciting season. The bigwigs are on their way out, the underdogs are writing history and we are here, learning a fact or two about every country participating, every day. As Morocco takes Portugal on Friday, here are five Moroccan dishes that will make you want to plan a trip to the North African country right away. Moroccan cuisine is usually a mix of Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean influences. As a matter of fact, it is more closely linked to the middle-eastern cuisine than the rest of Africa. Think: loads of dips, veggies, grilled meats, and breads. A typical meal begins with a series of hot and cold salads, followed by a course in tagine (earthenware pot) or dwaz. Moroccans eat with their hands and refrain from pork due to religious restrictions.
Here are a few delicacies from the country you should try soon:
1. Harira
It is a heavy, wholesome soup, eaten during winter to warm up. Harira is usually served for dinner and is made with flour, tomatoes, and lentils. It is typically eaten with plain bread or with dates during the month of Ramadan.
2. Bissara
It is another famous Moroccan broad bean-based soup, which is also consumed during the colder months of the year. Soups are generally served right before the main course and are relished slowly.
3. Zaalouk
Also called Zaloukis, it is a Moroccan salad made of cooked eggplants and tomatoes. For the said, the eggplant is first grilled and then mixed with the tomatoes and seasoned with the mix of garlic and spices.
4. Pastilla
Also called the North African pie, Pastilla is a seafood pie or Poultry made with warqa dough, which is similar to filo. Poultry Pastilla is sweet while seafood Pastille is spicy.
5. Kaab El Ghzal
It is a pastry stuffed with almond paste and topped with sugar. They are crescent-shaped cookies made of flour-based dough filled with almond paste with orange blossom water. Because they use exquisite ingredients like almonds, the delicacy is served at special events such as weddings and baby showers, often with tea.
