Understanding Ramadan
The Significance of Ramadan
How to Experience Ramadan
For those interested in immersing themselves in the spirit of Ramadan, consider joining a traditional ‘Ftour,’ or iftar, held by a Moroccan family. This provides a unique opportunity to experience the customs and practices of Ramadan firsthand.
Traditional Moroccan Dishes During Ramadan
Soups and Sweets: Harira and Chebakia
Moroccan cuisine features flavorful and hearty soups that serve as a perfect starter for breaking the fast. The meal often begins with harira, a robust lentil and tomato soup accompanied by sweet treats like dates and dried figs, as well as chebakia, flower-shaped cookies drenched in honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Sweets play an essential role in the social dynamics of Ramadan, particularly during the ftour (iftar) meal.
Stuffed dates infused with orange flower water and cinnamon create a delightful treat, while makrout, a sweet made from semolina dough filled with date paste and fried, is another favorite. Almond briouats, filled with almond paste and flavored with orange flower water and cinnamon, are fried and dipped in honey. Savory cheese briouats, sometimes enhanced with herbs or hot peppers, are also popular.
Hssoua Belboua, a creamy barley soup made with milk, offers a rich and satisfying option, alongside semolina soup flavored with anise seeds and honey.
Breads: Msemen, Rghayif, Harcha, and Baghrir
After enjoying the soup, an array of traditional breads takes center stage, including msemen and rghayif, layered flatbreads cooked to perfection. Batbout, a puffed pita bread, may also be served, alongside harcha, a thick, unleavened flatbread sometimes made with cornmeal. These breads complement an assortment of accompaniments, such as marmalades, butter, and cheeses like fresh jben. Bowls of olives and hard-boiled eggs, often enjoyed with cumin or pepper, round out the meal. In coastal areas, fried fish, particularly sardines, is a favored addition.
Appetizers: Briouats
Briouats, either triangular or cylindrical, are a beloved savory or sweet appetizer option. They are pan-fried to a crispy golden hue and can feature fillings ranging from fresh cheese drizzled with honey to a sweet mixture of crushed almonds, sugar, and spices.
As the ftour meal concludes, a variety of desserts grace the table. Platters filled with treats, including Moroccan Tea Biscuits known as fekkas, provide delightful aroma and flavor. M’hanncha, or “snake cake,” adds a unique visual with its spiraled design. Stuffed dates return as a fulfilling delicacy, often filled with almond paste, while sellou, a sweet mix of toasted sesame, fried almonds, and browned flour, is a classic dish served during this festive occasion.
