Moroccan Food Essay

Moroccan Food:

Uniqueness, Influences, and Culture

Emily Pichardo

Professor Ilkay

Cal Poly Pomona

1 June 2015 Moroccan Food: Uniqueness, Influences, and Culture

History of Culture:

The Moroccan food culture is very unique and enticing through sight, smell, and taste in ways that many other cuisines cannot fulfill, all of which is due to its history and influences over the years. Morocco is located in Northern Africa right by the Mediterranean Sea. It 's location has been a great influence on both its history and culture. According to the Youngblood-Coleman (2015), Arab forces began to occupy Morocco in the seventeenth century. This then brought the Islamic culture and many other traditions, this since then, has had a large

Moroccan’s are known to have hearty appetites, and it is very appropriate in this culture to leave a table feeling fully and even overly satisfied. According to Helou (1999), this state of being is also known as “shaban”. This country is known for including spices, herbs, wheat, and specific poultry in a large majority of their dishes. These ingredients are unique to their geography and even Islamic influences. Morocco’s neighboring countries, Algeria and Tunisia, have similar cuisine styles, but each are also unique to their geography in specific ways. Both Algerian and Tunisian dishes are rich in spice and can be considered the hottest cuisine of the region. According to Walden (1998), a common theme amongst all three countries include: “slow-simmered tagines; charcoal-grilled lamb, chicken, fish and vegetables; and rich, sweet pastries” (p.

26). This dish was very simple and did not require too much time, but I was still able to gain an appreciation for the types of meals that are cooked by Moroccans. Many of the ingredients that were incorporated into this dish are also used in a vast variety of dishes within North Africa. The paprika, cumin garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes gave this dish a unique flavor that is different from typical eggs and vegetables. There was a hint of spice that seasoned the eggs and vegetables perfectly. The eggs were soft and warm, while the vegetables added a slight unique crunchy and soft texture. Although this dish did not incorporate staple ingredients like lamb, bread, or fish, it did incorporate many of the spices and vegetables that are used in many dishes and on a daily basis. I was able to gain a great deal of appreciation for the types of meals that are prepared in a Moroccan