{"id":1837,"date":"2026-10-09T08:08:20","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T08:08:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/guide\/%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%83%d8%b3%d9%83%d8%b3-%d8%b7%d8%a8%d9%82-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ac%d9%85%d8%b9%d8%a9-%d9%88%d8%b3%d8%b1%d9%91-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d8%a7%d8%a6%d8%af%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d8%ba%d8%b1%d8%a8\/"},"modified":"2026-10-09T09:27:07","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T09:27:07","slug":"couscous","status":"publish","type":"tim_guide","link":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/en\/guide\/couscous\/","title":{"rendered":"Couscous: The Friday Dish and the Secret of the Moroccan Table"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In many Moroccan homes, Friday isn't complete without couscous. It's a family dish that brings people together around a single large platter.<\/p>\n<h2>What is couscous?<\/h2>\n<p>Small semolina grains are moistened and rolled by hand, then steamed in a \u00abkassas\u00bb over a broth made from vegetables and meat. The steaming process is repeated two or three times until the grains become light.<\/p>\n<h2>The Seven Vegetables<\/h2>\n<p>Traditionally, it is served with seven or more vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, squash, onions, and cabbage, along with chickpeas and meat or chicken, and often with \u00abtfaya,\u00bb which is caramelized onions with raisins.<\/p>\n<h2>Global Recognition<\/h2>\n<p>The knowledge and practices related to the production and consumption of couscous were inscribed on UNESCO\u2019s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020, as part of a joint nomination by Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and Tunisia.<\/p>\n<h2>Literature<\/h2>\n<p>It is usually eaten with the right hand or with a spoon from a shared plate, and the portion closest to you is yours. In some families, it is not considered appropriate to share in the Friday meals before Friday prayers.<\/p>\n<h2>Other Ways to Apply<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Couscous with onions and raisins.<\/li>\n<li>Couscous with vegetables only.<\/li>\n<li>Couscous with fish in some coastal cities.<\/li>\n<li>Sweet couscous (sfa) is served with milk and sugar.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How do you cook it?<\/h2>\n<p>You'll need good semolina, oil, seasonal vegetables, and meat. The most important step is to steam the couscous several times, breaking it up by hand each time to get rid of any clumps.<\/p>\n<h2>Couscous in the Maghreb<\/h2>\n<p>Couscous is shared by the peoples of the Maghreb, and the ways it is prepared vary from one country to another. In Morocco, it is usually served with the \u201cseven vegetables\u201d; in Tunisia, with harissa; and in Algeria, with red broth. It is a dish that brings families and communities together.<\/p>\n<h2>Couscous for Special Occasions<\/h2>\n<p>Couscous is served at weddings, funerals, and religious occasions, and symbolizes generosity, togetherness, and blessings.<\/p>\n<h2>Where can you try it out?<\/h2>\n<p>Try it on Friday at a local restaurant or with your family. If it's not Friday, ask if couscous is on the daily special.<\/p>\n<h2>How to Discover Local Flavors<\/h2>\n<p>Ask about the preparation method, ingredients, and seasons rather than just looking at the names on the menu. Taste preferences vary from city to city and household to household, and small family-run restaurants can offer different experiences.<\/p>\n<h2>Review the information before implementation<\/h2>\n<p>This article is for informational purposes only and is intended to help you make choices and plan your trip. Before participating in any activity or purchasing a service, compare this information with official sources and local service providers, and make sure it aligns with the specifics of your trip.<\/p>\n<h2>Couscous as a Social Occasion<\/h2>\n<p>The way couscous is served varies from household to household and region to region, depending on the vegetables, grains, cooking method, and side dishes. Its significance also lies in family gatherings, sharing the dish, and conversation around the table.<\/p>\n<h2>Questions to Help You Plan<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>What is worth spending extra time on in this experience, and what can be put off?<\/li>\n<li>What is the best mode of transportation based on where you live and the time of day?<\/li>\n<li>Do you need to make a reservation in advance, or is it enough to just drop by after confirming the details?<\/li>\n<li>Which elements vary depending on the season or weather conditions?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Operational Summary<\/h2>\n<p>Start with what first drew you to the topic \u00abCouscous: The Friday Dish and the Secret of the Moroccan Table,\u00bb then expand your exploration based on your time and interests. The best plan is one that leaves room for discovery and respects the rhythm of the place and its people, while making sure to check for any updates from the relevant authorities.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From Semolina Grains to the Family Table: The Story of Couscous, How It\u2019s Served, and Its Recognition by UNESCO.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-1837","tim_guide","type-tim_guide","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":8}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tim_guide\/1837","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tim_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/tim_guide"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1837"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}