Moroccan Cooking Class

Morocco is known for its rich and flavorful cuisine, which is influenced by a variety of cultural and historical factors. Some of the ingredients and flavors commonly found in Moroccan cooking include cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, ginger, garlic, saffron, and mint. Moroccan dishes often feature a combination of sweet and savory flavors, and are often served with a variety of side dishes, such as couscous, rice, or bread. Some popular Moroccan dishes include tagines, which are slow-cooked stews typically made with meat, vegetables, and spices; and pastilla, a savory pastry filled with meat or poultry and dusted with powdered sugar.

There are many reasons why taking a Moroccan cooking class can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Here are a few:

Learn about Moroccan cuisine: Moroccan cuisine is incredibly rich and diverse, and taking a cooking class is an absolutely fantastic way to dive deep into its culinary treasures. Throughout the class, you’ll have the remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the tantalizing flavors and fragrances as you savor and masterfully prepare a wide array of mouthwatering dishes. From indulging in traditional hearty stews and soul-warming soups to creating delectable sweet pastries and heavenly desserts, this culinary journey will ignite your passion for the extraordinary world of Moroccan gastronomy.
Explore exciting new ingredients: Moroccan cuisine boasts an extensive array of ingredients that you may not have encountered before, including olives, dates, nuts, and an aromatic blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. By enrolling in a culinary class, you can embrace the chance to discover these remarkable ingredients and master their incorporation into your culinary adventures.
Learn new cooking techniques: Moroccan cuisine often involves slow cooking and layering flavors, which can be achieved through techniques such as braising, stewing, and grilling. A cooking class can teach you these techniques and help you improve your overall cooking skills.
Cultural immersion: Taking a cooking class in Morocco is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the country’s history and traditions. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their daily lives and customs.
Have fun and enjoy a unique experience: Cooking classes can be a lot of fun, especially when you’re learning about a new cuisine in a new place. It’s a great way to try something new, learn new skills, and have a memorable experience

We took our cooking class at Atelier De Cuisine Food, located at an organic farm in the countryside outside Marrakech. Atelier’s space is completely dedicated to the discovery of organic and authentic Moroccan culinary art whose roots draw on various cultures: Berber, Jewish and Arab-Andalusian. Also, Chef Tarik supports the local community by teaching girls professional cooking skills so they can become culinary experts.

After arriving at Atelier De Cuisine Food, we were first introduced to the rich cultural significance of Moroccan mint tea that we had been enjoying throughout our entire week. It was fascinating to learn that the tea is poured from a considerable height, not only to ensure that the sugar is properly mixed but also to help cool down the refreshing beverage.

Next, we washed our hands, put on our aprons and chef’s hat and started cooking some delicious food. Working in small groups, we were walked through how to cook the following:

Lamb Tagine, a flavorful dish that brings together tender lamb, aromatic spices, and a medley of vegetables. This traditional Moroccan recipe is known for its rich flavors and comforting warmth. The succulent pieces of lamb are slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The fragrant spices, such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, add depth and complexity to the dish. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a tantalizing experience for your taste buds. The addition of dried fruits, like apricots or raisins, adds a touch of natural sweetness.

Chicken Tagine is made by slow-cooking chicken with a variety of aromatic ingredients such as onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of Moroccan spices. The chicken becomes tender and succulent, infused with the delicious flavors of the spices. The dish is traditionally cooked in a special pot called a tagine, which helps to create a moist and flavorful result. The tagine is typically served with steamed couscous or crusty bread, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce.

Couscous, made from semolina wheat, is a staple food in many countries, including Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The preparation of couscous involves steaming the grain and then fluffing it with a fork to create a light and fluffy texture. Taking an entire day to make, Moroccans usually dedicate time to make couscous on special occasions, Fridays, or Jum’ah. On Fridays, Moroccans visit the mosque for prayer around the noon and then go home – or to restaurant to enjoy couscous with family and friends.

We also made vegetable tagine and moroccan salads before seeing and tasing the freshly made bread.

Dessert was made by the young girl’s who are cooking apprentices at the school/institute.

We even get a certificate of completion at the end of the class.

The cooking class Atelier De Cuisine Food was one of the best ways to experience Moroccan cuisine and you get to leave with knowledge on how to make these delicious dishes at home. Now, we just need to get ourselves Tagine (we didn’t have any room in our suitcase) so its as authentic as possible!

If you’re interested in taking a cooking class in Marrakesh, there are several options available to you.

Visit a Traditional Moroccan Kitchen – Experience authentic Moroccan cooking in local homes or restaurants, with market trips to purchase ingredients.
Take a Cooking Class at a Cooking School or Culinary Institute – Explore structured classes that offer a diverse range of dishes and techniques to broaden your culinary skills.
Book a Cooking Class as Part of a Tour of Marrakesh – Enhance your Marrakesh tour by booking a cooking class, combining market visits, hands-on cooking experiences, and cultural exploration.

Check out our awesome YouTube video that will get you really excited about our amazing Moroccan Cooking Class!