Couscous and Shakshuka (Berber Omelette)- Explore Morocco’s Traditional Dish

Paul | November 25, 2023 | Food, Morocco | No Comments

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.

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.

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.