Moroccan Cookbook
Authentic Recipes From Morocco - The Authentic Series by Periplus
Morocco is a country with a myriad of cultures, from Arabs to Berbers to Andalusian Jews - uncover its mixed cuisine with Authentic Recipes From Morocco.
This country of more than 31 million mainly exports seafood products, citrus fruits and minerals. Predominantly Muslim, the languages spoken are Arabic, Berber, Spanish and French – it was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956.
Authentic Recipes From Morocco
For those intrigued by the offerings of this North African nation, the latest cookbook from Periplus Editions "Authentic" series may be a flavourful find. Author Fatema Hal has proffered a lovely mix of 60 recipes from her homeland in the Authentic Recipes from Morocco cookbook ($14.95 US).
Other recipes from another book in the series, Authentic Recipes from Thailand, include Thai Chili Sauces and Thai Grilled Beef.
The book's vivid photographs provide a fantastic view to the culture and cuisine of Morocco with lessons on the country's history, its cuisine as a "feminine art" and the role of religion in its eating habits.
One is reminded of the strong symbolism of bread (signifying hospitality and sharing) and the importance of tea. "The whole universe is found in a teapot" – a quote from Abdallah Zrika – serves as a motto for understanding Moroccan traditions.
There is a quick guide to ingredients: caraway sees, cumin, fenugreek, harissa (a chili paste made with herbs and spices), nigella seeds, pine nuts, saffron and smen (cooking oil made from butter).
The book isn't divided into sections but builds gradually from simple dishes and appetizers to main meals and then desserts. It starts with basics such as preparing couscous, Country Bread, Eggplant Salad, Tomato Jam and Roasted Bell Peppers. Then, the book moves into more intricate dishes delving into seafood, soups, meats and desserts.
Lots of Lamb
The recipes and methods are quite simple and pretty easy to prepare. Typical foods include Moroccan Chicken Pie (B'stilla), Fava Bean Soup, Roast Chicken with Lemon Sauce, Chicken with Marinated Figs and Walnuts, Braised Lamb with Peas and Artichokes, Lamb stuffed with Couscous and Dates and Lamb with Zucchini and Fresh Mint.
More exotic offerings include Shrimp Pastries (using cilantro, cumin, tomato and green chilis), Roast Pidgeon Stuffed with Almonds and Couscous, Lamb with Chestnuts and Cinnamon (topped with orange flower water!) and Lamb Confit with Raisins and Almonds.
Some of you may recall the film "Forrest Gump," starring Tom Hanks, in which the main character encounters a fellow Southerner who proceeds to list the unending ways of preparing shrimp. Well, the lamb recipes in this cookbook are just as astounding: Lamb with Prunes and Sesame Seeds, Braised Lamb with Fava Beans, Lamb with Quince and Cinnamon and so on. Lamb lovers will be in heaven.
There are a few white fish recipes and one for sardines before the book delves into the sweets which include the Almond Pastry Snake, Sweet Egg Custard Pastries, Sweet Almond Cigars and Honey Wheat Pudding. A nice finish are the almond milk recipes at the end, refreshing!
Authentic Recipes from Morocco by Fatema Hal would be a great gift to someone you care about, who can also cook for you. By the way Hal lives in Paris now and runs a highly-acclaimed restaurant, Le Mansouria.
