Cooking Class in Marrakech With Fatiha and Samira

Marrakech’s vibrant culinary scene beckons foodies to enjoy its rich flavors. One such opportunity is the cooking class led by hosts Fatiha and Samira, which promises an authentic gastronomic experience. Participants can expect to embark on a guided tour through the bustling local market, learning about seasonal produce and traditional ingredients. The class then moves to a family home, where the group will prepare a delectable 3-course Moroccan meal, discovering time-honored cooking techniques. With classic salads, a slow-simmered tagine, and a refreshing dessert, this captivating experience offers a tantalizing glimpse into Marrakech’s culinary treasures.

Key Points

1. Immersive 3-course Moroccan cooking class led by local hosts Fatiha and Samira, beginning with a guided tour of a bustling food market.
2. Hands-on preparation of traditional Moroccan dishes like tektouka, zaalouk, Berber tagine, and seasonal desserts in a family home setting.
3. Opportunity to learn about the importance of ingredients, flavor profiles, and time-honored cooking techniques of Moroccan cuisine.
4. Conveniently located meeting point at Moulay El Yazid Mosque, with a flexible cancellation and refund policy.
5. Immersive cultural experience that provides a captivating glimpse into the rich gastronomic heritage of Marrakech.

Overview of the Experience

The cooking class in Marrakech offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the vibrant local culinary culture.

Participants begin their experience with a guided tour of a bustling food market, where they learn about the seasonal produce, aromatic spices, and essential ingredients that form the foundation of Moroccan cuisine.

After the market visit, the class moves to a family home where the hosts teach guests how to prepare a delectable three-course meal.

From preparing a refreshing starter like tektouka or zaalouk to mastering the art of a traditional Berber tagine or couscous dish, the hands-on cooking session provides a captivating glimpse into the time-honored traditions of Moroccan home cooking.

Exploring the Local Food Market

Visitors begin their culinary journey with a guided tour through the bustling local food market, where they enjoy the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of Marrakech’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Led by their knowledgeable hosts, Fatiha and Samira, your explore the rows of colorful stalls, learning about the seasonal produce, fragrant spices, and traditional ingredients that form the foundation of Moroccan cuisine.

From the pyramid-shaped piles of saffron and cumin to the glistening displays of fresh seafood and the pyramids of plump dates, the market offers a sensory feast that whets the appetite for the hands-on cooking experience to come.

Cooking the 3-Course Meal

After exploring the vibrant food market, guests head to a local family’s home to begin the hands-on cooking experience.

Under the guidance of their hosts, Fatiha and Samira, they dive right into preparing a delectable 3-course Moroccan meal.

First, they learn to make tektouka and zaalouk, classic Moroccan salad dishes packed with roasted vegetables and spices.

For the main course, they craft a traditional Berber tagine, slow-simmering meat, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings in a clay pot.

To finish, they whip up a refreshing dessert of seasonal fruits with cinnamon and yogurt.

Throughout, Fatiha and Samira share their culinary expertise, teaching guests techniques and flavors that capture the essence of Moroccan home cooking.

Preparing the Starters

Fatiha and Samira first guide guests through preparing the starter dishes of tektouka and zaalouk, classic Moroccan salads brimming with roasted vegetables and vibrant spices.

For the tektouka, they demonstrate how to char and peel red peppers, then blend them with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices.

The zaalouk salad features charred and mashed eggplant, combined with tomatoes, garlic, cumin, and paprika.

Throughout, the hosts explain the importance of each ingredient and how the flavors meld together.

Guests actively participate, chopping, mixing, and seasoning the dishes.

The aromas of roasted vegetables and spices fill the cozy kitchen as the starters come together, whetting appetites for the meal to come.

Cooking the Main Course

Next, Fatiha and Samira demonstrate the preparation of the Berber tagine, a beloved Moroccan dish featuring tender lamb or chicken simmered with vegetables and a blend of aromatic spices. They carefully brown the meat, then layer in onions, tomatoes, potatoes, and zucchini, seasoning each component with cumin, paprika, ginger, and saffron. The tagine simmers slowly, the flavors melding together as the kitchen fills with its rich, fragrant aroma.

To accompany the main course, Fatiha and Samira prepare a fluffy couscous and a savory pastilla, a traditional Moroccan pie with a flaky phyllo-like crust.

Dish	Key Ingredients	Cooking Method
Berber Tagine	Lamb/Chicken, Onions, Tomatoes, Potatoes, Zucchini	Browning, Simmering
Couscous	–	Steaming
Pastilla	Phyllo Dough, Meat, Eggs, Spices	Baking

Dessert Delight

Cooking Class in Marrakech With Fatiha and Samira

Dessert Delight

With the savory main courses prepared, Fatiha and Samira turn their attention to the sweet finale – a selection of classic Moroccan desserts.

They begin by presenting seasonal fresh fruits, delicately spiced with cinnamon and served with a dollop of cool, creamy yogurt.

Next, they delight the group with a refreshing lemon dessert, its tart citrus notes perfectly balanced by a light, creamy texture.

To cap off the meal, Fatiha and Samira share the secrets behind preparing the traditional pastry treat, known as Sellou. This nutty, honey-drizzled confection provides a satisfying end to the culinary journey through Moroccan cuisine.

Meeting Point and Directions

The meeting point for the Marrakech cooking class is the Moulay El Yazid Mosque, located at 23 Rue de La Kasbah in the heart of the city.

Participants will gather here before being guided on a short walk to the local market (souq) to explore the seasonal produce, spices, and ingredients used in Moroccan cuisine.

After the market visit, the group will head to a family home where they’ll learn to prepare a delicious three-course meal.

The cooking class provides a unique opportunity to take in Moroccan culinary traditions and culture, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting Marrakech.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience are eligible for a full refund, but any changes within 24 hours of the start time may not be accepted. This policy ensures that the hosts can properly prepare for the class and that no resources are wasted.

If the cooking class is canceled due to weather or if the minimum participant requirements aren’t met, you will receive a full refund.

The hosts understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, so they strive to be as flexible as possible while also maintaining the integrity of the experience. Participants are encouraged to contact the hosts as soon as possible if they need to make any changes to their booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Specific Dietary Requirement?

Yes, guests can request specific dietary requirements. The hosts are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets with advance notice. Just let them know your needs when booking the cooking class.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Class?

The maximum group size for the cooking class is typically small, with the class size capped at 8-10 participants. This allows for more personalized attention and a more intimate learning experience.

Is Transportation to and From the Experience Provided?

Transportation to and from the experience is not provided. Participants are responsible for making their own way to the meeting point and returning from the family home after the cooking class.

Can I Participate in the Cooking Class if I Have No Prior Experience?

Yes, the cooking class is suitable for participants with no prior experience. The hosts provide guidance and hands-on instruction throughout the market tour and meal preparation, ensuring everyone can actively participate and learn Moroccan cooking techniques.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Ingredients?

You don’t need to bring any special equipment or ingredients for the cooking class. The hosts will provide all the necessary tools and ingredients needed to prepare the 3-course Moroccan meal together.

Recap

Immerse in Marrakech’s vibrant culinary culture with an authentic cooking class led by Fatiha and Samira.

Explore the local food market, then head to a family home to prepare a delectable 3-course Moroccan meal.

Discover time-honored cooking techniques and savor the rich flavors of this captivating gastronomic experience.