You may have heard of Marrakech butter, but do you really know what it is and how to make it? This delicious Moroccan specialty is ideal for adding an exotic touch to your dishes. In this article, we invite you to discover all the secrets of this traditional recipe. Don’t wait any longer, put on your apron and follow our tips to master the technique of making this versatile condiment.
What is Marrakech butter and what are its characteristics? For those unfamiliar with it, Marrakech butter is nothing like a typical dairy product. Although it is made with fat, it is actually a blend of spices combined with melted butter. The inhabitants of the famous Moroccan city readily add this ingredient to their recipes to give them character and make them even more flavorful. It is generally used to enhance meat or fish dishes, as well as grilled vegetables or pasta.
The ingredients needed to prepare your Marrakech butter:
- 250g of unsalted butter (or semi-salted, depending on your preference)
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- The spices:
- 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 level teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger (optional)
- Fresh herbs: chopped cilantro and flat-leaf parsley
- Lemon juice, to taste (optional)
Step-by-step preparation of Marrakech butter:
Step 1: Gathering the ingredients
First, take out all the ingredients and utensils needed for your recipe. This will save you time during cooking and prevent you from forgetting an essential element.
Step 2: Preparing the Spices
In a bowl, thoroughly mix all the spices (paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, ginger) until well combined.
Step 3: Cooking the Garlic and Tomato Paste Mixture
In a small saucepan, melt about 50g of butter over low heat. Then add the chopped garlic and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently to coat the garlic pieces well with the melted butter.
Step 4: Adding the Spice Mix
Add the spice mixture to the saucepan containing the butter, garlic, and tomato paste. Mix well so the flavors blend harmoniously. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Step 5: Finishing the Marrakech Butter Cut the remaining butter into small pieces and gradually incorporate them into your mixture, ensuring they are completely melted before adding more. Once all the butter is incorporated, remove the pan from the heat and add the chopped herbs and lemon juice, if using. Mix well to obtain a smooth and fragrant condiment.
The Different Uses of Marrakech Butter:
Marrakech butter is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various ways.
- As a side dish: Serve it as a sauce with grilled fish, meat or chicken kebabs, or vegetables. It adds an exotic and flavorful touch to your dishes.
- In cooking: You can also use this condiment to create more elaborate recipes. For example, in a tagine, stir a few spoonfuls of Marrakech butter into your vegetable or meat stew to add an extra dimension to your dish.
- For marinades: Coat your meat or fish with Marrakech butter before grilling it on the barbecue, under the oven broiler, or on the stovetop. This will make it tender, melt-in-your-mouth, and delicious!
Storing Marrakech butter: Marrakech butter keeps very well in the refrigerator for several days, or even a few weeks if it is properly wrapped. To do this, wrap it in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it if you want to keep it longer. Simply thaw it at room temperature a few hours before using.
Now that you know all the secrets of Marrakech butter, all that’s left is for you to start preparing it. You’ll see, your dishes will never have been so delicious!
