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    a bowl of food on a plate

    Date of publication 12/11/2018

    Wellness

    Tunisian and Moroccan food The Arabian delights set to become healthy trends

    The future of healthy eating lies in the Middle East

    After the rise of hummus and couscous on restaurant menus around the world, new products, ingredients, and recipes are now captivating diners with their flavor and health benefits. In other words, superfoods that can be found in any of the souks in the medinas of Tunisia or Morocco, countries that have already discovered all the advantages and tastes they bring to the Mediterranean diet. Are you ready to try them all?

    Morocco is one of the most appealing destinations in North Africa thanks to its proximity to Europe, its exotic charm, and the warm, welcoming nature of its people. In short, it’s the perfect place for anyone who wants to fully immerse themselves in a culture that is both fascinating and unfamiliar. To make that experience complete, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts offers you their hotels in Morocco.

    And if you want to lose yourself in the landscapes, history, light, and warmth of the Maghreb, Tunisia is a sure bet. Its evocative desert scenery, beaches, souks, mosques, and exotic Tunisian cuisine make it an ideal destination for an unforgettable holiday with family, friends, or a partner. For maximum comfort, there’s nothing better than staying at the hotels in Tunisia by Iberostar.

    <h2>Sumac</h2> <p>The fruit of this Mediterranean shrub has it all:<strong> attractive color, a wide range of properties and a versatile and authentic flavor.</strong> It&#39;s perfect as a ground spice for adding to marinades, seasoned meats or salad dressings as the berries have antiseptic properties, as well as many other benefits.</p>

    Sumac

    The fruit of this Mediterranean shrub has it all: an appealing color, a wide range of properties, and a distinctive, versatile flavor. It’s best used in powder form for marinades, spiced meats, or salad dressings, as these berries have antiseptic effects among many other health benefits.

    <h2><em>Za&#39;atar</em></h2> <p><em>Za&#39;atar</em> is the perfect combination of Arab herbs and spices. While it has its origins in the Fertile Crescent, it is increasingly easy to find it in the shops and markets of Northern Africa having become the ultimate cocktail of Eastern aromas. It typically contains <strong>more or less equal amounts of hyssop, sumac, sesame seeds, oregano, thyme and fennel.</strong> The result is so tasty that it should be used only as a condiment on toast or served with aromatic breads in order to completely capture the dish.</p>

    Zataar

    Zataar is the perfect blend of Arabic spices and herbs. Although it originated in the Fertile Crescent, it’s now increasingly easy to find it in shops and souks across North Africa, as it’s considered the ultimate mix of oriental aromas. It typically includes similar amounts of hyssop, sumac, sesame seeds, oregano, thyme, and fennel. The result is so flavorful that it’s often used simply as a topping for toast or flatbreads, where it takes center stage.

    <h2>Breads like <em>manakish</em> for instance</h2> <p><em>Manakish</em>, a type of pita or other slightly fermented breads often form the base of the Arabic pizzas and toast dishes which provide the perfect complement to <em>za&#39;atar</em>. These breads are also <strong>one of the healthiest substitutes for traditional loaves or baguettes </strong>since they are far lower in calories than typical Western breads.</p>

    Breads like manakish

    Manakish, pita bread, and other lightly leavened flatbreads often serve as the base for pizzas and toasts topped with zataar. They are also one of the best healthy alternatives to traditional loaves and baguettes, offering a significantly lower calorie content than most Western breads.

    <h2>Sesame Seeds</h2> <p>Their hypnotic flavor and versatility make it the perfect addition to any salad, soup, or even a batter. Beyond adding distinguishing notes, this superfood is thought to lower cholesterol, making it<strong> a 2 for 1, unbeatable in taste and health. </strong></p>

    Sesame seeds

    Their hypnotic flavor and versatility make them the perfect addition to any salad, dip, or even breading. Beyond adding a unique touch to every dish, this superfood helps lower cholesterol, making it an unbeatable 2-in-1 combination of taste and health.

    <h2>Turmeric</h2> <p>Its flavor, striking color and<strong> distinctive bitter touch</strong> have seen it become the perfect choice to add a special something to pulses, rice and smoothies.<strong> </strong>But turmeric is also ideal for protecting your stomach, extending the life of your liver and strengthening bones.</p>

    Turmeric

    Its flavor has made it the perfect addition to legumes, rice dishes, and smoothies, thanks to its vibrant color and distinctively subtle bitter touch. Moreover, turmeric is known to protect the stomach, support liver health, and strengthen bones.

    <h2>Saffron</h2> <p>This plant&#39;s tasty stem may not be quite such a stranger to Mediterranean cuisine. However, its use in paella and other rice dishes is merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of using red gold. Indeed, in the Arab world <strong>its standout use is in teas, </strong>while it&#39;s increasingly common to find a pinch added to all kinds of coffees. Beyond its common affinity with rice dishes, dairy products are this product&#39;s close friend and it&#39;s perfect for livening up desserts like rice pudding or a cheesecake. What&#39;s more, it&#39;s <strong>an ingredient that improves your memory, facilitates weight loss and has invigorating effects</strong>.</p>

    Saffron

    It may not seem unusual in Mediterranean kitchens to use the flavorful stigma of this plant. However, its presence in paella and stews is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many uses of this “red gold.” In the Arab world, its most popular use is in teas, and it’s becoming increasingly common to find it as a flavoring in various types of coffee. Beyond its traditional role in rice dishes, dairy products are saffron’s best companion, as it enhances desserts such as rice pudding or cheesecake. It’s also an ingredient known to boost memory, support weight loss, and provide an invigorating effect.

    <h2><em>Harissa</em></h2> <p>This paste made from smoked red peppers (most common version) is a product bursting with flavor and a must on any good Tunisian table. Furthermore, it&#39;s a natural additive which provides all the benefits of spice including its antiseptic, anticoagulant and antidepressant qualities.</p>

    Harissa

    This paste, traditionally made from smoked red peppers (in its most common form), is a flavorful staple that no Tunisian table should be without. It’s also a natural additive packed with all the benefits of spicy foods, including antiseptic, anticoagulant, and antidepressant properties.

    <h2><em>Tahini</em></h2> <p>This thick sauce made from sesame seeds is so much more than the key ingredient of all good humus. It is increasingly common to find it as <strong>the perfect appetizer in which to dip your pita bread. </strong>But it&#39;s also the perfect way to start the day, it&#39;s characteristic flavor is used in a blend with sweet syrup or jam in many Arab countries. <strong><em>Tahini</em> is pure vegetable protein, in addition to boasting considerable levels of vitamin B </strong>and fatty acids such as omega 6 and omega 9.&nbsp;</p>

    Tahini

    This thick paste made from sesame seeds (also known as ajonjolí) is much more than just the finishing touch to good hummus. It’s increasingly found as the perfect appetizer for dipping with pita bread. But it’s also a great way to start the day, as in many Arab countries its distinctive flavor is enjoyed with sweet syrup or jam. Tahini is pure plant-based protein and an excellent source of vitamin B, as well as essential fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-9.

    <h2><em>Baba Ganush </em></h2> <p>This<strong> eggplant humus</strong> is much more than a gourmet alternative to the common chickpea paste. Replacing the pulses with this vegetable makes this appetizer (or main dish) high in potassium, magnesium, fiber and calcium.</p>

    Baba Ganoush

    This hummus made with eggplant is much more than a gourmet alternative to chickpea paste. Replacing the legume with this vegetable gives the dish—whether served as an appetizer or main course—a high content of potassium, magnesium, fiber, and calcium.

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