Moroccan Cuisine

tips

Preparing a new Tajine

To prepare a new tajine before cooking; soak overnight in water (the bathtub is a good place). Then fill with water, add same salt and a few bay leaves and a few cardamom pods. Heat over a low gas flame, until boiling to infuse the herbs into the porous terracotta. If your tajine is used regularly this won't need to be redone. Tajines can be used on the barbecue, charcoal or low gas flame but are not recommended for electric cook tops or in the oven.

Using a Tajine

Layer celery stalks on base of tajine before filling with meats etc. This acts as a trivet, lifting the meat off the base of the dish and prevents burning.

Harissa Paste

Cover harissa paste with a layer of olive oil to preserve.

Toasting spices

Toasting whole spices in a dry pan can help to bring out the essential oils and the flavour in the spice, however be careful to taste as you add the spice to your dish as the flavour will have changed and you may need less. Toasting pre-ground spices is a little trickier and it can ruin the flavour of the spice altogether.

Toasting spices

Toasting whole spices in a dry pan can help to bring out the essential oils and the flavour in the spice, however be careful to taste as you add the spice to your dish as the flavour will have changed and you may need less. Toasting pre-ground spices is a little trickier and it can ruin the flavour of the spice altogether.

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