👩🏻‍🍳🍛🕌 Culinary Maroccan cooking workshop Casa Benali @ A'dam🕌 🍛👩🏻‍🍳

Important! To sign up, please pay the € 75,50 * Meet Up event & cooking workshop fee directly. See notifications for the tickie.
* From 8 November, the fee will be € 78,95.

Join us for a vibrant & traditional Moroccan cooking workshop with Saida Benali, inspired by her book Casa Benali and the TV series Chez Benali.

In this interactive session, we’ll delve into the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Morocco, preparing authentic dishes that reflect the heart of Moroccan culture. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this workshop offers a fun and hands-on way to explore the rich flavors of Moroccan gastronomy, from appetizers to main courses, using fresh ingredients and local spices.

As we chop, sauté, and blend spices, we’ll not only learn the secrets behind the recipes but also have fun cooking and dining together. Sharing a meal is a beautiful way to connect as we embark on this culinary journey to the heart of Morocco.

We will vote on whether to make couscous or tajine, with the majority deciding! Drinks are included, though no alcohol will be served.

Gathering 17:00 @ Amsterdam-West. The address will be provided upon signing up in the WhatsApp group.

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Morocan Gastronomy
Morocco is ranked among the top nine gastronomic destinations in the world, according to National Geographic, thanks to its globally recognized traditional dishes such as couscous, tajine, lamb, and pastilla (a pastry filled with chicken, caramelized onion, almonds, and cinnamon).

In this workshop, we will prepare some of Morocco’s most famous dishes:

• Starters/mezze/salad: Flavorful and often vegetable-based, incorporating fresh spices and herbs, typically accompanied by homemade bread like khobz or batbout.
• Main Course: Couscous or tajine with vegetables (voted by the group).
• Dessert: Traditional Moroccan pastries, usually flavored with orange blossom, almonds, sesame seeds, honey, and spices.

* Vegetarian options will also be available.

The workhop experience
We’ll be welcomed in a local restaurant at 17:00 with traditional Moroccan mint tea and exquisite cookies, setting the tone for a delightful culinary experience. Saida will share insights into the tea ritual and the significance of sweets in Moroccan culture.

You’ll work in small groups of 2-3 people to prepare either a full course or part of a dish, under Saida’s expert supervision, using fresh, sustainable, and seasonal Moroccan ingredients.

In Moroccan cuisine, couscous is carefully steamed rather than boiled—a technique you’ll learn to master alongside Saida. You’ll also discover how to prepare perfectly seasoned vegetables, tender chicken, and sweet compote, while exploring the delicate processes and distinctive flavors that make Moroccan dishes so special. Once everything is ready, we’ll gather around the table to enjoy the delicious meal we’ve created, sharing stories and great conversation in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

But this workshop is more than just cooking—it’s an opportunity to hear stories about Moroccan culinary traditions, taste new flavors, and forge new friendships. Over the course of three hours, you’ll not only learn to cook these delicious dishes but also gain insight into what makes them so meaningful in Moroccan culture.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Moroccan cuisine. You’ll leave with new culinary skills and a deeper understanding of the cultural stories behind each dish.

Notifications:

• Event fee: €75.50 per person, paid directly upon signing up via the following link (from 26 October, the fee will be €78.95). Maximum of 12 participants.
• https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=aF1ZOMz5c1p6j3Z3NWi35V8UAr3voxtD
• Carpe Diem is an amateur activity group, and participating is at your own risk.
• The event might be postponed or cancelled in case of a low number of participants. In such cases, you will receive a refund or a credit. Check messages the evening before the event for any last-minute updates.
• Please sign up only if you plan to attend and are ready to pay the fee upon registration. If something unexpected arises, kindly update your RSVP promptly. Please note that the event fee is non-refundable from 2 weeks prior to the workshop (8 November), unless the event is full (12 participants) and someone of the waiting list takes your spot. In both cases administration costs of Eur 15,- will be charged. A kind request to avoid last-minute cancellations.
  Thank you for your understanding and support in helping to maintain the group with a smooth planning and organization.