Food, Family, and Tradition: The Heart of My Kitchen
Food is a powerful connector, a culture in itself. Growing up in Morocco, I experienced firsthand how food brings people together.
In our society, sharing meals is a sacred tradition, filled with stories and laughter over a cup of tea and biscuits or a hearty dinner celebrating special moments.
I fondly remember my childhood, where my mother spent countless hours in the kitchen, either cooking for us or chatting with neighbours who dropped by. We rarely sat in the lounge or watched TV. Instead, we raced to the kitchen after school, not just to greet Mum with a kiss and a hug, but because that’s where the magic happened. The kitchen was our home’s heart, where all great stories unfolded.
As a family of seven children, mealtime was a cherished event. We never ate alone; it was a collective experience. My mother, the undisputed boss of our household, ensured that everyone gathered around the table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It felt like we had to report to her about our day, and if you were late, there would be no food left. Her knack for keeping us all together, despite limited resources, is a memory I treasure.
The kitchen wasn’t just a place for cooking; it was a space for sharing gossip, laughter, and life lessons. Neighbours often visited, and our front door was always open. Every child was treated like family, with mothers across the neighbourhood ready to scold us if we misbehaved.
The Dish That Reminds Me of Mum: Moroccan Shakshuka
One dish that stays etched in my memory is Moroccan Shakshuka—eggs cooked in a rich tomato sauce with fresh herbs. It was my mother’s go-to meal when our budget got tight. While this dish is now trendy in cafes around the world, for me, it represents comfort and family.
My Modern Twist on Moroccan Shakshuka
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground chili flakes
- 400gr fresh tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4- large eggs
- 30gr kalamata olives
- Fresh parsley & coriander chopped
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 Flat bread (pita bread)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in chopped tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the Eggs: Make small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each. Cover, reduce heat, and cook until egg whites are set.
- Add the olives and check the seasoning
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs and crumbled feta cheese. Serve hot with fresh bread.
Personal Cooking Tips: Wisdom Passed Down
Cooking in my family has always been about honouring tradition and sharing wisdom. My mother passed down valuable tips that I cherish today. For instance, before cooking chicken, she insisted on washing it with cold water, salt, and lemon or a touch of vinegar.
Here are some of her timeless tips that you can incorporate into your cooking:
- Marination Matters: Always marinate meat for at least an hour for enhanced flavour and tenderness.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and spices to elevate your dishes.
- Seasoning is Key: Taste your dishes throughout the cooking process and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook with Love: Remember that the best ingredient is love, adding a special touch to every meal.
Now that you have my tips for preparing a roast chicken, I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried any special techniques or family traditions in your cooking? What dishes remind you of home?
Throughout my 30 years in the culinary world, I have had the joy of preparing meals for countless people. Every time I serve a dish, I am greeted with awe and appreciation.
Food is a powerful connector, a culture in itself. Growing up in Morocco, I experienced firsthand how food brings people together.