Taktouka (Moroccan Green Pepper and Tomato Side Dish)

 Growing up my father always had a boat and was an enthusiastic weekend fisherman. Every Friday afternoon my parents would pack me in the car and we'd head to our place on the beach. I grew up eating a lot of fish and seafood in general, and I am happy to have married someone who appreciates this fare as well. We buy and cook fresh seafood at home frequently and would cook it more often if not for our worries over the safety of our kids who also enjoy seafood almost as much as us.

While today’s recipe is not a seafood dish, it is a wonderful Moroccan side dish/salad we enjoy very much with fried fish, especially when prepared by my dear mother-in-law who I miss very much. The recipe that follows is a simple and fast method of preparing the dish. If you don’t like fish, make this as a side dish next time you make a steak or grilled chicken breast. Make sure to have some good bread available to eat with it.

Beef Tagine with Olives and Potatoes

It is bitter cold in Chicago so for the first time since I’ve been back from Brazil I felt like making a tagine. As usual, I did not take out my tagine but rather used my beloved pressure cooker. Not because I am lazy, but because of the short time I have available to prepare my meals during busy days as a halal mama of four.

People have a vision that a stay-at-home mom spends her day watching Oprah, baking cookies and working out. Well, perhaps some women have this schedule but that is not my reality and that of my best friends. First, there is the fact that I still have two rumbustious toddlers at home who not only require my undivided attention but also lunch and a lot of snacks. Then, there are my older kiddos with their busy schedules, extracurricular activities, homework, and so much more. Not to mention, there is taking care of the home and laundry which never take pity on me. Well, enough of that, let’s get to the recipe because it is time to run again!

Batbout (Moroccan small pita bread)

Batbout is a small, Moroccan pita bread that is great for small sandwiches when entertaining. They are also great for an afternoon snack for your kids - mine love these filled with cream cheese. Unlike other breads this is made on top of the stove instead of baked.

Harira (Moroccan Soup)

When I was in Morocco this summer, I heard about this new kitchen gadget for the first time. The Vorwek Thermomix, which is apparently not easily available in the US, is somewhat of a hybrid slow cooker, kind of a futuristic, George Jetson Crockpot. It kind of surprises me that Americans, the biggest fans of slow cookers, haven't already been turned on to this new miracle machine. 

In Morocco this is the latest kitchen fad and is only sold through direct sales. The representative invites prospective buyers to a cooking demo using the Vorwerk Thermomix and wows people into the purchase. While I didn't attend any of these demos myself, I heard a lot about the machine from family who have seen the Vorwerk in action and I had the opportunity to see a cousin using the machine in her home.

Spinach à la Marocaine

I really want to apologize for being MIA, but between twins starting pre-K, PTO meetings, laundry, basketball practice, playgroups, playdates and life in general I have not had much time to breathe.

Tunisian Tuna Pastry (Brik)

This Tunisian recipe comes from a fellow Brazilian food blogger, Fabricia. Fabricia is married to a Tunisian and lives in Canada with her husband and adorable daughter.

Chibakias

Ramadan Mubarak! I haven’t posted in awhile as the last few weeks I spent in Morocco where quite busy. And, coming back home has been a bit hectic as well. But, regardless, I'm back!

There is nothing like Ramadan in Morocco. You just get swept up in all the excitement. As you can imagine, a lot of the day is spent cooking and the culmination of our hard work is always a wonderful Iftar filled with delicious treats. After Isha’a prayer, the streets are filled with people shopping, gathering at cafes and restaurants. Cities literally awake at sunset during Ramadan in Morocco.

Zaalouk (Eggplant Salad)

I love Morrocan tagines as much as a full-blooded local, but I must confess what I most enjoy during my meals in Morocco are the salads and side dishes. I've posted before about how much I like eggplant so naturally, Morrocan zalouk (eggplant salad) is one of my favorite salads/side dishes. This recipe comes directly from my mother-in-law’s kitchen and all measurements are approximate according to my observation. When my husband makes zalouk he roasts the eggplant, but I know some people who boil it in water. My mother-in-law steams hers and it turns out great. Zaalouk can be served warm or cold - I prefer mine at room temperature.

Chicken, Olive and Preserved Lemon Tagine

This is one of my favorite Moroccan dishes. Here, in Morocco, finding exact recipes is close to impossible so I will relate my estimation of the ingredients based on keen observation of my in-laws cooking, but adjust as needed to taste. Moroccan preserved lemons are wonderful and very easy to make at home; David Lebovitz has a good recipe only I don't add any other spices than salt.

Djeema el-Fna, Marrakech

They serve the best orange juice ever, can’t visit Djeema el-Fna without having at least 2 or 3 glasses.

At the market in Morocco

Sorry for not posting in a while. I am currently in Morocco on vacation with my family. I plan on posting some recipes from here, but for now I will just post some pictures. Please keep checking for updates.

Waiting for flight to Rabat @ Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Almost Moroccan Salad Plate

We had Moroccan guests over for dinner the other day and upon seeing my salad presentation one of them teased that I could be Moroccan. I like to arrange my salad in the same beautiful way I learned from my mother-in-law. Despite how well I may have managed to mimmick her style, deep inside I couldn’t help but think my guest hadn’t looked too closely at my salad or he would have withdrawn the comment. I do not cut my tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots or beets with as much symmetry as they do in Morocco. Whether in the comfort of one's home or fresh from a street vendor, in Morocco you can expect great presentation. In fact, food presentation in Morocco is just as important as the taste. My husband will not even taste something I make if it doesn’t agree first with his eyes.

Chicken Tagine with Fennel

I’ve always known that I liked eating but it wasn’t until about three years ago that I discovered my passion for cooking as well. My husband, whom I’ve known for 13 years, always jokes that my newfound passion makes him wonder if we aren't actually trying to relive our newlywed years when young married couples typically begin to explore the kitchen together, overindulging in delightful dishes and, of course, gain a new waistline to prove it.

Beef and Quince Tagine

Everyday should be a celebration of those we love - our mothers, fathers, significant others, children and friends. I'm not suggesting you lavish on the gifts but rather treat those special to you with respect and kindness by showing them daily how much you love and appreciate them. This can be done in so many words or simply by living this practice. I suppose one way I do this is by putting real care into what I feed my family.