Passover started last Sunday and while this isn’t a holiday that’s on the Islamic calendar, it is on the Jewish calendar of which there are many Moroccan Jews. The communities in Morocco today are very small and I can’t say I’ve even met someone who is Jewish and living here (yet! I’m trying to find some!)
Moroccan Jews have a special holiday celebration at the end of Passover called Mimouna. From everything I’ve read and heard it is localized to only Morocco. I would really love to find out more about the history of the holiday, how it came to be, and how it was celebrated in the past and continues today. If anyone knows of any Moroccan Jews in Marrakech that will be celebrating this year, I would love to make a connection!
I’ve gathered some of Passover recipe ideas as well as Sephardic Passover recipes. At the end you’ll also find a recipe that was shared with me by Kim Kushner – one of my favorite go-to sources for Moroccan Jewish recipes. Even if you’re not celebrating Passover or Mimouna these are some great recipes for any meal!
Some recipes I think you’ll like;
- Preserved Lemons – a basic for most all Moroccan foods
- Moroccan Haroset Balls – all of the flavors and ingredients packaged a little differently!
- Skhina or Dafina – This is the Moroccan version of cholent and an important Moroccan Jewish recipe
- Carrot Salad – very easy and light, perfect for Passover and spring!
- Ma’akouda – even though latkes are a Hanukkah dish, potato ma’akouda are a great appetizer.
- Moroccan Mint Tea – because without Moroccan tea it’s just not Moroccan!
- Lamb and Fig Tagine – another great spring recipe using sweet and savory pairings.
- Casablanca Fish Tajine – Fish is something often found on the Mimouna table; add veggies and spices with this fast and easy tajine.
- Moroccan Passover Traditions and Recipe from My Jewish Learning
- Vegetarian Lentil Soup from This American Bite
- Stuffed Grape Leaves from This American Bite
- Moroccan Mufleta (post Passover/Mimouna must!) Joy of Kosher
See my past articles on Passover and Morocco
Mimouna Ideas and Inspiration
Mimouna – A Moroccan Passover Celebration
Kim’s recipe for Berkouksh – perfect to include in your Mimouna celebrations! You can also get Kim’s cookbook, The Modern Menu on Amazon for more great recipes and ideas!
Yield:
Print
PinIngredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 bag (16 ounces)Israeli toasted couscous
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- To serve:
- Buttermilk
- Sugar
Instructions
- Place the water in a medium sized pot, bring to a boil over high heat.
- Season the boiling water with salt. Add the couscous and stir well. Reduce the temperature to medium-high, and cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
- Add the milk and butter to the pot, and cook the couscous for 5 minutes longer until soft. Drain the couscous. Spoon into individual bowls, and serve with a splash of buttermilk, and a sprinkle of sugar
Notes
Kim Kushner, author of The Modern Menu and the website Kim Kushner shared this recipe with me and granted permission to publish. I hope you enjoy it as a part of your Mimouna celebration!
Have you heard of Mimouna? Do you celebrate?
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Hey Amanda!
Chances are high that you will never find a Jewish community in Marrakech as the remaining Jews in Morocco live in Casablanca now. 🙂 So, maybe you can look for a family over there? 😉
Mimouna is indeed typical of the Moroccan community but has spread over to the entire Sephardic community now. I know Algerian and Tunisian families who do celebrate this holiday as well.
the two most typical leavened foods eaten during the Mimouna is sfendj and moufletta (very thin msemmen). Mmm… just talking about it makes me want to eat tons of it!
Rumor has it there are some families outside of Marrakech but Casablanca is the best bet, you’re right. One of these days I’ll find some!
Ow, nice to know there are still families outside of Casa. Good luck! 🙂
During the eight days of Passover, Jews have no bread or leavened foods in their homes. So, it became a custom that at the close of the holiday, Muslim neighbors visited Jewish homes,
bringing gifts of sweet pancakes and other leavened products, which the Jews had not tasted
in over a week, and had not yet had an chance to prepare. This is the Mimouna.
In Israel, Mimouna has been adapted as a national holiday, celebrated on the day after
Passover when Jews, Arabs and Druze gather outdoors to share their culinary traditions.
Hello / Assalamu Alaikum.
Thank you for the great ideas. I am Moroccan native of Casablanca and i have never heard of Mimouna. I like to read about it. I will try some of these great recipes.
Maria.