Medfouna

In this article, we will explore in depth Medfouna and its impact on contemporary society. From its origin to its current evolution, Medfouna has been the subject of interest and debate in various areas, both in popular culture and in academia. We will delve into its meaning, influence and relevance in today's world, analyzing how Medfouna has shaped our perceptions, attitudes and behaviors. Through this analysis, we will seek to understand the implications of Medfouna in our society and reflect on its role in human development.

Medfouna
Medfouna or Berber pizza at a local restaurant near Merzouga, Errachidia Province.
Alternative namesRissani, Berber pizza
CourseMain course
Region or stateDrâa-Tafilalet, Morocco
Associated cuisineMoroccan cuisine
Serving temperatureHot

Medfouna, also known as "Berber pizza" or "desert pizza", is a traditional and rustic culinary dish originating from Morocco.[1][2][3][4] It is prepared from a round-shaped dough that is stuffed, soft inside and crispy outside. Unlike pizza, Medfouna consists of two layers of dough: one at the bottom and one on top that covers the filling.

In the mountains of the Middle Atlas in Morocco, it is baked over a wood fire, then cut into eight pieces and offered to guests along with a glass of Moroccan mint tea.

Etymology

The term Medfouna comes from Arabic (المدفونة) and means "buried."[5] In the Drâa-Tafilalet region, medfouna is also known as Rissani, named after the town of Rissani, known for its specialty Medfouna.[6]

This article is part of a series on
Moroccan cuisine

Main dishes

Pastries and desserts
Other foods
Extinct dishes
Beverages
Alcoholic beverages
See more
Related cuisine

History

Medfouna is inherited from the Berbers of the oases in the southern region of Morocco.[1] This dish is a symbol of the cultural and culinary traditions of this part of Morocco.[7]

Popularity

The popularity of this dish has increased after British chef Gordon Ramsay, as part of filming his culinary series Uncharted, a travel cooking show organized in partnership with National Geographic channel, travelled to Morocco to discover different aspects of Moroccan gastronomy.[8][9][10]

By visiting the Middle Atlas mountains, the British chef introduced viewers to the Medfouna recipe presented by the Berbers of the Middle Atlas. A rustic recipe, made from local products, consisting of various types of mushrooms that grow in the surrounding mountains, spices, and fresh Berber cheese from the region.[11] According to the tradition of the Middle Atlas, Medfouna is cooked over a wood fire, unlike that of the Berbers of Tafilalet who cook it under the desert sand.[12]

A variety of traditional Berber cheese from Morocco used in Medfouna stuffing.

Recipe

Traditional medfouna, accompanied by mint tea.

The stuffing is a combination of spices and herbs, usually accompanied by portions of vegetables, onions, and minced meat (lamb, beef or goat), as well as cheese, coriander, and a little fat. The whole can be topped with slices of hard-boiled eggs.[13]

Notes and references

  1. ^ a b "Khobza medfouna | Traditional Flatbread From Morocco | TasteAtlas". TasteAtlas. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  2. ^ Ramsay, Gordon (2023-05-03). Gordon Ramsay: Kulinarische Abenteuer: Zu Besuch bei den besten Küchenmeistern in aller Welt. 45 Rezepte (in German). Christian Verlag. ISBN 978-3-95961-831-1. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  3. ^ Mdidech, Jaouad (2017). Visages et paysages du cœur du Maroc. Carnets de voyages (in French). Éditions L'Harmattan. ISBN 978-2-343-10995-4. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  4. ^ Gregory-Smith, John (2018-04-05). Orange Blossom & Honey: Magical Moroccan recipes from the souks to the Sahara. Octopus. ISBN 978-0-85783-509-3. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  5. ^ Helou, Anissa (2018-10-04). Feast: Food of the Islamic World. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-5266-0556-6. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  6. ^ "Madfouna: Morocco's surprising take on pizza". BBC. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  7. ^ Morocco, Touring In (2023-06-30). "Medfouna: The Berber Pizza Dish In The Desert Of Morocco". Touring In Morocco. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  8. ^ Jill K. Robinson (2019-06-12). "Gordon Ramsay Treks the Mountains of Morocco". National Geographic. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  9. ^ Jack (2019-07-17). "Le chef Gordon Ramsey découvre la cuisine amazighe | La Tribune de Marrakech" (in French). Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  10. ^ Brooke Sabin (2019-07-16). "Suivez Gordon Ramsay dans son voyage gastronomique à travers le monde". National Geographic France (in French). Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  11. ^ "Gordon Ramsay Tries Medfouna | Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted". YouTube (in French). November 2021. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  12. ^ "Madfouna". Atlas Obscura. 2018-05-17. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  13. ^ Khadija El Mary (2012-10-15). "Moroccan Cuisine: Recipe for Amazigh Flatbread or Moroccan Pizza". Morocco World News.

Content in this edit is translated from the existing French Wikipedia article at fr:Medfouna (Maroc); see its history for attribution.