Morocco Mediterranean Cuisine Author:Laila Friese (Editor), Susan James (Translator) Morocco produces a large range of Mediterranean fruits and vegetables and even some tropical ones. Common meats include beef, mutton and lamb, chicken, camel, rabbit and seafood, which serve as a base for the cuisine. Characteristic flavorings include lemon pickle, cold-pressed, unrefined olive oil and dried fruits. Spices are used extensively i... more »n Moroccan food. Although spices have been imported to Morocco for thousands of years, many ingredients -- like saffron from Tiliouine, mint and olives from Meknes, and oranges and lemons from Fez -- are home-grown. The midday meal is the main meal, except during the holy month of Ramadan. A typical meal begins with a series of hot and cold salads, followed by a tagine. Moroccan tajine dishes are slow-cooked savory stews, typically made with sliced meat, poultry, or fish together with vegetables or fruit. Spices, nuts, and dried fruits are also used. Common spices include ginger, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and saffron. Paprika and chili are used in vegetable tajine. The sweet and sour combination is common in tajine dishes like lamb with dates and spices. Because the domed or cone-shaped lid of the tajine pot traps steam and returns the condensed liquid to the pot, a minimal amount of water is needed to cook meats and vegetables. This method of cooking is very practical in areas where water supplies are limited or where public water is not yet available. Tajines are served with couscous or bread. Bread is eaten with every meal as Moroccans often eat with their hands and use bread as a utensil. A cup of sweet mint tea usually ends the meal. The consumption of pork and alcohol are considered Haraam (sinful), and are prohibited per Muslim dietary restrictions. Originally published as: Delices du Maroc.
In the Mediterranean Cuisine series, master chefs from eight countries divulge their best recipes. Each title in this highly visual cookbook series of Mediterranean cuisine offers some 85 recipes, from easy to challenging, presented on two-page spreads with detailed instructions, tidbits of information, and captioned step-by-step photographs; you can almost smell the food cooking. Discover the sheer pleasure of the freshness and variety of Mediterranean cuisine. « less