Whetting the Appetite

Appears in
Modern Moroccan
Modern Moroccan

By Ghillie Basan

Published 2016

  • About

The ancient tradition of mezze was probably introduced to Morocco by the Arabs in the seventh century. Derived from the Persian word maza, meaning taste or relish, this course was intended to delight the palate before the main meal. Eating mezze remains one of the most wonderful ways of eating Middle Eastern and North African food today.

The combination of simple dishes, complex flavours and the relaxed style of mezze eating is now enjoyed all over the world. There is no rush as you sample a selection of dishes that might include a bowl of freshly roasted pistachios, succulent and flavourful marinated olives, roasted (bell) peppers bathed in olive oil, garlicky dip made with yogurt and flavoured with fiery harissa, small, delicate pastries filled with cinnamon-flavoured minced (ground) lamb, and a fresh salad flavoured with preserved lemon.