Magnificent Marrakech
/Salam Alikoum Gastronomads!
Another culinary tour in Marrakech is over with happy tears, heartfelt thanks to the lovely Moroccans and a plethora of sparkly clothes, babouches and tasseled headscarves bought in the medina that we will never wear again. Somehow pants with pompoms all over them don’t look quite so suitable when you’re walking down Ponsonby Rd... but they look fabulous when you’re rocking the Casbah. There were a couple of hot days where we perspired rose flavoured sweat into the rabbit couscous but mostly the weather was delicious. All the gastronomads were adorable – I always do this revolting new-age thing of asking them to introduce themselves and tell us all a bit of their story and I’m always glad I do it because you find out the most amazing things about people. Our hosts Florence and Adriano at our accommodations were as generous and witty as ever and the Marrakshi themselves are beyond reproach in the warm, hospitable and kind department. Next year's tour dates are 29 April – 6 May and we already have bookings... so start planning now.
Zaahlouk
Zaahlouk (aubergine and tomato salad)
500g aubergines
4 large ripe tomatoes
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprik
chilli powder to taste
1 tbsp each chopped parsley and coriander
2 cloves garlic, crushed
olive oil
salt
1 tbsp vinegar
- Peel and chop the tomatoes. Place them in a saucepan along with the cumin, paprika, chilli, parsley, coriander, garlic and 4 tbsp olive oil. Simmer until dry.
- Meanwhile wash the aubergines, trim, slice and place in salted water for five mins. Drain, dry and fry in olive oil till golden.
- Purée the aubergines or smash with a fork then mix in the tomato sauce. Add vinegar and simmer 5 mins. Serve cold or at room temperature.
2017 is going, going...
This year is nearly a sellout but we do have a couple places available on Puglia in September, and a few spaces left on North India 4-14 October. Get in touch directly if you're already over Winter and feel like doing something wild and rash (which I totally recommend!!)
Tours in 2018
Next year is just around the corner.... time to start planning an exotic foodie escape. Some of my 2018 destinations are already approaching full.
I'm at my home in Uzès, half an hour from Avignon, teaching sun-drenched Southern French recipes until the end of September. Join me for a class if you happen to be in the area. And... when I'm not in residence my chic new pad (right in the centre of town) is available for rent. Full details on Airbnb. Next stop the beautiful Basque Country at the end of the month...San Sebastian is true foodie heaven... can't wait!
Peta
