Destination: Morocco
Weekend Wanderlust
Destination: Morocco
@Indagaretravel
From the wind-swept desert to the sparkling cities and the culturally rich Atlas Mountains, Morocco is a seductive destination that truly has it all: style, romance, adventure, and an eternal, undeniable allure.
Chef: Mourad Lahlou
@mourad_lahlou
We chose Chef Mourad Lahlou for his exemplary ability to preserve the cooking philosophy he learned from his family while innovating these experiences to create his own distinctive style. His focus on local ingredients to reinterpret traditional Moroccan dishes highlights his commitment to both authenticity and creativity.
Shrimp-and-Vegetable Tagine with Preserved Lemon
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus whole sprigs for garnish
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Small pinch of saffron threads, crumbled
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 pounds large shrimp—shelled and deveined, tails left on
2 1/4 pounds plum tomatoes—peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground pepper
3 large carrots, thinly sliced
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
4 large Red Bliss potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1/2 preserved lemon, peel only, thinly sliced (see Note)
1/2 cup pitted green olives
In a medium bowl, combine the parsley with the chopped cilantro, lemon juice, paprika, ginger, saffron and olive oil. Add the shrimp, toss to coat with the marinade and refrigerate for 2 hours. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the tomatoes with the garlic and cumin and season with salt and pepper. Simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are broken down and slightly thickened, 10 minutes.
Spread the sliced carrots in a large enameled cast-iron casserole or Dutch oven and season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the onion, potatoes and bell peppers, lightly seasoning each layer with salt and pepper. Spread the tomato sauce on top. Cover and simmer over moderately low heat until the vegetables are just tender, about 20 minutes.
Add the preserved lemon and olives to the casserole and arrange the shrimp on top in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over moderately low heat until the shrimp are pink and curled, about 3 minutes. Transfer the shrimp to a plate. Raise the heat to moderate and cook the tagine uncovered, stirring once or twice, until the juices have evaporated, about 5 minutes; don't let the vegetables burn on the bottom. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl and top with the shrimp. Garnish with cilantro sprigs and serve.
Culinary Pharmacy Product Highlight:
Citrus Cider Whip Hair & Scalp Plaster
Skin Analysis for Chef: We selected this Vitamin C-rich hair and scalp saver for its nourishing and strengthening properties that leave hair stronger, tamer, and silkier. The perfect blend of natural butters, oils and citrus superfoods gives hair and scalp the chemical-free treatment it needs and deserves!
This beauty elixir utilizes super-nourishing argan oil from the argan tree native to Morocco, to saturate your hair from root to tip with antioxidants, essential fatty acids and Vitamin E!
Vacation Outfit Inspo
JOHANNA ORTIZ
Mother of All Waters cutout shirred printed cotton-voile halterneck maxi dress
Why we love this: Unleash your inner ocean goddess with this breezy cotton-voile maxi dress, adorned with a unique seashell and boa print. Perfectly designed with a cutout, shirred bust and playful tasseled halterneck ties for a touch of whimsy.
@netaporter
EMME PARSONS
Bari Pool leather sandals
Why we love this: With a slightly more laid-back look, these leather sandals are an elevated alternative to flip flops when heading to the pool, beach, or on your next adventure. Handcrafted from leather with slim, winding straps, the understated design makes these easy to wear with just about anything.
The Stay: Le Royal Mansour
Experience the splendor of the Royal Mansour, crafted by the King of Morocco himself. This masterpiece of Moroccan artistry features grand archways, intricate tiles, and a private medina of riads. Every detail showcases local craftsmanship, from embroidered fabrics to stunning mosaics and artworks. With its lush courtyards and serene pool, privacy is paramount, ensuring a tranquil royal retreat right in the heart of Marrakech.