Morocco is famous for its cuisine that features a wide variety of herbs and spices. The spice merchants in Marrakesh and other cities across the country sell freshly ground spices that are beautifully arranged in colourful mounds. As you explore the narrow alleys of medinas and souks, the vivid hues and aromas of these spices are almost overwhelming to the senses.
Common Spices in Morocco
When you visit Morocco, you simply can’t miss the bustling souks and Medinas filled with an enormous variety of stalls, including those selling freshly ground spices and herbs of all kinds. The vivid colours and exotic aromas of the market are sure to leave you spellbound.
However, it’s essential to exercise caution when shopping for spices, particularly in tourist areas like Marrakesh where prices can be high.
During our visit to Marrakesh, we were approached by several spice vendors who offered us 1 gram of spice for 1 dirham. While the offer may sound tempting, it’s essential to note that 1000 dirhams per kilo is an exorbitant price in Morocco. In comparison, larger supermarkets like Marjane offer loose spices at a much lower price – typically between 5 to 7 dirhams for 100 grams or 50 to 70 dirhams per kilo.
If you’re keen on buying spices from the souks, it’s best to do your research first and know what the prices should be. Be prepared to negotiate hard and walk away if the seller won’t agree to your price. Remember, there are plenty of other stalls where you can find high-quality spices at reasonable prices.
Spice Blends
Moroccan cuisine is known for its vibrant spices that add depth and complexity to every dish. While there are many spices used in this cuisine, some of the most basic include cumin, black pepper, ginger, and turmeric. These spices are often combined with others, such as saffron, paprika, cayenne, chili (harissa), and cinnamon, to create rich, flavoursome dishes that are beloved in Moroccan culture.
In addition to these individual spices, Moroccan cuisine features unique spice blends that are used extensively in cooking. One such blend is Ras El Hanout, which translates to “top of the shop” and is made from a complex mixture of spices. This blend typically includes paprika, cardamom, cumin, clove, cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, aniseed, dried ginger, black pepper, and turmeric, though each family may have its own variation of the recipe.
Ras El Hanout is a vital component of many Moroccan dishes, and its name implies that only the best spices are used in the blend. Each family has its own recipe, which is often handed down from generation to generation. With its rich and complex flavour profile, Ras El Hanout is a testament to the importance of spices in Moroccan cuisine.
Other Blends
Moroccan cuisine is known for its unique blend of spices that are used to enhance the flavour of dishes.
Families in Morocco have their own spice blends that are specifically created for different types of ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, lamb, and more. These blends can often be found in souks, shops, and supermarkets.
For instance, a Chicken Spice Blend can include an aromatic combination of cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, ginger, black pepper, turmeric, spearmint, and cloves.
Similarly, a Vegetable Spice Blend may contain a mixture of cumin, coriander, chili powder, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cayenne, and cloves that adds a burst of flavours to the vegetables.
A Lamb Spice Blend may include a combination of cumin, paprika, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, and cayenne that gives a unique taste to the lamb.
Mediterranean Dry Rub is a blend of spices that reflects the flavours of North Morocco and is perfect for grilling. It usually contains a combination of garlic, thyme, black pepper, rosemary, lemon, oregano, basil, and sage that adds a distinct taste to the meat.
Harissa, a ground chilli paste, is commonly used as a table condiment in Morocco. It can be mixed with a little bit of oil to create a paste that can be spread on bread, meat, or directly mixed into couscous. Harissa is a versatile spice that can be used to add a spicy and tangy flavour to a variety of dishes.
In short, Moroccan spice blends are an essential part of Moroccan cuisine that add a unique flavour and aroma to the dishes. Whether you are cooking chicken, vegetables, lamb, or any other dish, there is always a spice blend that can help you create a delicious and flavourful meal.
Herbs and Medicinal Plants
In the bustling markets of Morocco, alongside the vibrant array of spices, sacks of exotic herbs and medicinal plants can be found.
These herbal remedies are still used on a daily basis by many people. Morocco is widely known for its diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants, including thyme, artemisia, lavender, mentha, geranium, spearmint, and chamomile.
Artemisia, a Moroccan plant commonly used in traditional medicine, is an alternative treatment for diabetes.
In southwest Morocco, locals use thyme to treat a variety of diseases, including respiratory, digestive, skin, circulatory, genital, nervous, and urinary diseases.
Lavender, with its calming aroma, is believed to aid in blood circulation, alleviate nausea, and promote sleep. It is also thought to help with digestive problems, particularly constipation.
Moroccan mint is a robust and bushy plant with a wide range of culinary uses, but it is most commonly used for making tea. The essential oils of Mentha species are believed to have many health benefits, including relieving symptoms of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and gas.
Geranium, a plant found throughout Morocco, is added to tea for its calming effect. It is also an anti-aging ingredient used for skin and hair.
Chamomile, with its delicate floral scent, is commonly used for perfumes and skin products that have a calming effect. The essential oil is extracted through distillation of the crushed flower, making it a prized ingredient in many beauty and skincare products.
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