Isolation may have us eating more than necessary, and not exactly helping  to keep your beach body figure. Why not take the time to practice some basic cooking skills and keep busy creating something healthy to snack on?  Morocco is known for its flavors and spices, so we have provided some simple and easy Moroccan meal ideas to try at home. Along with our ” href=”https://www.lovingsurf.com/surf-exercises-you-can-practice-at-home/”>surf exercises you can do at home  and these low calorie Moroccan surfer snacks, you’ll be looking better coming out of isolation than going in. Get ready for the beach! Traditional Moroccan food is low cost and extremely healthy, perfect for these uncertain times, not only with they help your food budget but also keep your immune system strong to fight off infections, viruses and keep you strong for the next surf session. 

---

Moroccan Surfer Snack #1 – Zaalouk – Eggplant & Tomatoes

This easy recipe is great for vegan and vegetarian surfers or as a side dish with rice or bread. Make sure to get your veggie intake while at home. Eggplants are high in fiber and tomatoes contain Vitamin C to help keep your immune system strong. Some key ingredients include: Eggplant, Tomatoes, Garlic, Cilantro, Parsley, Cumin, Salt, Lemon, Paprika and optional cayenne pepper to spice things up a bit!

Link to easy Zaalouk recipe

Approximate Prep & Cooking Time: 60 mins

---

Moroccan Surfer Snack #2 – Bisara – Garlic & Fava Beans 

This simple yet hardy recipe is also great for vegan and vegetarian surfers who need the extra protein. Traditionally eaten in the morning with fresh bread, this can be a great breakfast or chilly afternoon snack to warm you up. Garlic is notorious for its bacteria fighting attributes and immune boosting powers. Just watch your breath! Maybe a better option for those isolating alone.  Key Ingredients: Split Fava Beans, Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Paprika

Link to Traditonal and Simple Bisara recipe

Approximate Prep & Cooking Time: Overnight soaking / 60 mins

---

Moroccan Surfer Snack #3 – Loubia – White Bean Stew

Yet another vegetarian recipe option for surfers who need the extra protein. Traditionally, it is cooked with meat or stomach for extra flavor and protein, but this can be made to be vegan friendly as well.  It is a low cost and low calorie meal option. Perfect for lunch after a solo walk outside.  Make sure to soak your beans long enough and rinse before cooking to avoid those enzymes that are hard to digest. Otherwise you know the saying…Beans, beans the magical fruit. Unless of course your need some space from your isolation partner.  Key Ingredients: White Beans, Onion, Lemon, Olive Oil, Tomato Paste, Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Paprika, Turmeric

Link to Vegan Friendly Loubia recipe

Approximate Prep & Cooking Time: Overnight soaking / 60 mins

---

Moroccan Surfer Snack #4 – Harcha – Semolina Thyme Pancake

What would be a Moroccan inspired list without some sort of bread? Bread is life after all. Although it is not ideally the healthiest snack (especially recipe link below), it does contain vitamin B, folate and thiamine that help to keep your energy and brain function up. Perfect to recover from a Netflix binge watching. No oven required and a fast recipe to whip up if you have the few ingredients needed. Best served warm with a little butter or jam, or more traditionally honey and argan oil for those here in Essaouira. The ultimate tea time snack. Moroccan Mint Tea is our favorite post surf pastime. Key Ingredients: Fine Semolina, Olive Oil, Thyme, Milk (or water for dairy free).

Link to not so healthy Harcha recipe

Link to similar yet healthier Algerian Flatbread Kesra Recipe

Approximate Prep & Cooking Time: 50 mins

So there you have it, maybe you’ll be inspired to try your hand at these easy Moroccan dishes, and leave the more popular and perhaps more challenging dishes like tajine and couscous recipes to the experts.

You will just have to visit us here in Morocco once the border opens to get a taste for yourself! Check out our mailing list to get upcoming news and special discounts for your next surf and kite trip to Morocco!