Best of Bizarre Foods Season 1 Episode 2 Morocco
- January 8, 2010
In the second episode of the first season of Best of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern heads to the North African country of Morocco to explore the culinary traditions of this ancient land. Known for its rich history and diverse cultural influences, Morocco offers a unique blend of flavors and ingredients that are unlike anything else in the world.
Zimmern begins his journey in Casablanca, where he samples some of the city's most popular street foods, such as bissara, a thick soup made from fava beans, garlic and olive oil, and chebakia, a sweet pastry that is often served during Ramadan. From there, he heads inland to the city of Fez, which is known for its elaborate spice market and traditional tanneries. Here, Zimmern learns how the local artisans tan animal hides using natural ingredients such as urine and pigeon droppings.
After exploring Fez, Zimmern heads to the Atlas Mountains, where he meets a Berber family who live in a traditional mud-brick house. The family welcomes him with a feast of tagine, a slow-cooked stew that is typically made with meat, vegetables and spices. Zimmern is particularly impressed with the family's use of preserved lemons and olives, which add a distinctive flavor to the dish.
Next, Zimmern travels to Marrakech, which is famous for its bustling night market known as Jemaa el-Fnaa. Here, he samples a variety of grilled meats and kebabs, as well as a sweet dessert known as amlou, which is made from almonds, argan oil and honey. He also visits a local tea shop, where he learns about the traditional art of making mint tea.
Throughout the episode, Zimmern learns about the history and culture of Morocco, and how its cuisine has been shaped by centuries of trade and migration. He discovers the use of spices such as cumin, coriander and turmeric, as well as ingredients such as couscous, harissa and ras el hanout. He also meets some of the local people who are preserving and innovating upon these culinary traditions.
Overall, Best of Bizarre Foods season 1 episode 2 offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich and complex world of Moroccan cuisine. From the busy streets of Casablanca to the desert oases of Marrakech, Zimmern takes viewers on a journey that is both educational and entertaining. Whether you are a foodie looking for inspiration or simply curious about the world around you, this episode is sure to please.