Couscous and Shakshuka (Berber Omelette)- Explore Morocco’s Traditional Dish
|Couscous is a Morocco’s national dish, it is a traditional dish that originated in North Africa, and it has become popular worldwide. It is made from crushed steamed wheat and is a staple in the cuisine of many North African countries. Here’s a basic recipe for preparing couscous:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Boil Liquid:
- In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add Olive Oil and Salt:
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and salt to taste. The olive oil adds flavor and helps keep the couscous from sticking.
- Pour Over Couscous:
- Place 1 cup of couscous in a heatproof bowl.
- Steam the Couscous:
- Pour the boiling liquid over the couscous, ensuring that all the grains are covered.
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- Cover and Let Sit:
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the liquid and steam.
- Fluff with a Fork:
- After 5 minutes, use a fork to fluff the couscous, breaking up any clumps that may have formed.
- Serve:
- Your couscous is now ready to serve. It can be served as a side dish or as a base for stews, vegetables, or meats.
Variations:
- Add-ins: You can customize your couscous by adding ingredients like chopped herbs, dried fruits, nuts, or sautéed vegetables.
- Couscous Salad: Let the couscous cool and toss it with chopped vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and a lemony vinaigrette for a refreshing couscous salad.
- Spiced Couscous: Add spices like cumin, coriander, or cinnamon to the boiling liquid for a flavorful twist.
Couscous is versatile, quick to prepare, and serves as a wonderful base for a variety of dishes. Its light and fluffy texture make it a favorite in many cuisines.
Shakshuka (Berber Omelette) – A must try Moroccan Egg Dish
Shakshuka is a delicious and flavorful dish, often referred to as a Berber Omelette, with roots in North Africa and the Middle East. While it may not be exclusively Berber, it has become a popular and versatile dish in the region. Here’s a basic recipe for making Shakshuka:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6-8 large eggs
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Stir in diced red bell pepper and continue to cook until the pepper softens.
- Add Seasonings:
- Add minced garlic, ground cumin, ground paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Incorporate Tomatoes:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens, usually around 10-15 minutes.
![](https://africancontents.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shakshuka-4x5-LOWRES-819x1024-1.jpg)
- Create Wells for Eggs:
- Using a spoon, make small wells in the tomato sauce.
- Crack each egg into a well, distributing them evenly across the skillet.
- Cook the Eggs:
- Cover the skillet and let the eggs cook in the simmering sauce until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes, but you can adjust based on your preference for egg doneness.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, garnish the Shakshuka with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Serve the dish directly from the skillet, accompanied by crusty bread or pita for dipping into the flavorful tomato sauce.
Shakshuka is a wonderful and comforting dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Adjust the spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.