The rich spices of Moroccan cuisine linger on the tongue long beyond the end of any visit. To recreate those flavors in one’s own kitchen can prove a daunting task; however, the country’s signature dish — couscous — has become a worldwide favorite, meaning a taste of your trip can be found in a variety of restaurants or as a viable option for the everyday grocery shopper.
In Morocco, it is likely ordered as traditional seksu or kesksu with a meat or vegetable stew spooned on top. In Sicily, it is typically served with seafood. The grain is popular throughout West Africa, Sahel, France, Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal, Madeira, Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, areas of the Middle East and India, leaving infinite possibilities for creative couscous.
The origins of couscous remain up for debate. Some historians believe the granules made of semolina wheat began in China, much like pasta. Others favor the belief its origins trace back to East Africa. The most heavily favored — and the most plausible — explanation points to North Africa. Cooking tools used in the preparation of couscous and dating back to the ninth century were unearthed in this area of the world. The dish was disseminated to the entire region in the 11th century before making its way to Andalusia and the Mediterranean.
The first written reference to couscous was found in the anonymous 13th-century Hispan-Muslim cookbook Kitāb al-ţabīkh fī al-Maghrib wa’l-Andalus. A Marrakesh recipe for alcuzcuz fitīyānī is described as “made for the young” and “known all over the world.” While today prepared with delicious, aromatic meats, fishes, vegetables and spices, its humble beginnings were as food for the hungry nomad; cooked with sour milk and melted butter, it was a hearty dish that left diners full.
By the 16th century, references to the food were found in French writing. Portuguese immigrants from Morocco brought the cuisine to South America, and today couscous enjoys international acclaim and renown.
Not in dispute is the process of making the North African staple food. Couscous, a pasta, is comprised of husked and crushed, but unground, semolina flour. The semolina flour comes from the hardest part of durum wheat; its small pellets resemble farina, polenta or grits. The semolina is sprinkled with water and rolled into tiny granules. The intense process includes sprinkling the granules with flour and running them through sieves until all the semolina has been formed into couscous.
To recreate the tastes of your visit to Morocco in your own kitchen, the packaged versions from the grocery stores won’t suffice. Authentic couscous should be prepared in a couscoussiére or a heat-proof colander inside a stockpot. Steam with water until liquid is absorbed; do not cover, as condensation will make the pasta mushy.
A meal is never as amazing as that first bite, but with the popularity of couscous worldwide, a taste of Morocco is never out of reach.
Read This Next
Lotte Hotel Seoul
2014 / February 2014
Jun 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedeFlyer Reviews
Jun 7, 2023Singer Palace Hotel Review
The idea of a boutique hotel in the center of Rome’s busiest crossroads may seem counterintuitive, but Singer Palace Hotel pulls off the impossible thanks to its minimalist exteriors, 30 gorgeous one-of-a-kind rooms and suites, smart-but-whimsical décor, simple-yet-elegant Roman cuisine and a stellar mixology-driven rooftop bar. It’s a delightful study in contrasts — a quiet, intimate and plush setting nestled within a maze containing many of Rome’s most noteworthy sites.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Travel Insurance for U.S. Destinations?
If you’re traveling stateside, travel insurance is a must.
eFlyer News
Jun 7, 2023Uber to Launch Private Chartered Boat Service in Mykonos
Uber app users can now book an Uber Boat in Mykonos this summer to enjoy even more of the Greek island’s beauty. Uber announced the new addition allows up to eight guests to cruise to popular destinations and sites around Mykonos.
eFlyer News
Jun 7, 2023Breeze Airways Rebrands First-Class Seating, Inaugurates 37 Nonstop Routes
Breeze Airways celebrates summer with the inauguration of 37 new and returning routes and the introduction of a new and elevated onboard experience. The airline also recently flew its inaugural and now longest flight from Rhode Island TF Green International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport.
Sponsored Content
Plan Your Escape to Arizona
Indulgent escapes are made even more enjoyable by fast, easy access — and that’s what Arizona offers. Quick, non-stop and direct flights to one of two international airports put all the luxury of The Grand Canyon State within easy reach.
eFlyer News
Jun 7, 2023Hawaiian Airlines Unveils 787 Dreamliners Cabin Design, Leihōkū Suites
Hawaiian Airlines officially gives the world a glimpse into the interior cabin details of its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, bringing guests a new class of premium service. The Leihōkū Suites, meaning garland of stars, features 34 suites, enveloping guests in a peaceful and elegant space with fully lie-flat seating.
Puppy Pride at The Leta, Santa Barbara
eFlyer Deals
Jun 7, 2023Dad’s Escape at Andaz San Diego
eFlyer Deals
Jun 7, 2023OMNI PGA Frisco Resort Comes to Texas
Daily
Jun 7, 2023Leisure Lifestyle 2023
Jun 7, 2023Gather Insight and Inspiration at Some of the World’s Intriguing Art Shows and Fairs
© FNB ART JOBURG
Sponsored Content
Business or Leisure? With TAP Air Portugal, You Can Have Both!
Are you looking to enhance your business trip with a little leisure? Look no further than Portugal, a country renowned for its captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. And with TAP Air Portugal, you can effortlessly transform your business trip into an unforgettable bleisure adventure. Discover why Portugal and TAP Air Portugal are the perfect combination for an enriching and rejuvenating experience.
Daily
Jun 7, 2023art’otel Brings Boutique, Art-Inspired Hotels to Zagreb, London and Rome
Contemporary lifestyle hotel brand art’otel expands throughout Europe with the launch of three new properties in Zagreb, London’s Hoxton and Rome, all slated to open between fall 2023 and early 2024. These three hotels join the brand’s existing boutique hotels in Berlin, Amsterdam, Cologne and another London property.
ShareThis