Marrakech Ember Bites

The Marrakech Ember Bites are a unique fusion of flavors, bringing the exotic spices of Moroccan cuisine to a meal that can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. The name takes inspiration from Marrakech, indicative of the vibrant markets and fiery spices that characterize this region. This dish is all about blending the traditional with a contemporary twist, offering bold tastes that ignite the senses.

Background

Marrakech is renowned for its colorful and aromatic spice markets, known as souks, where one can find a plethora of herbs and spice blends such as ras el hanout. These flavorings have been traded and utilized in Moroccan cuisine for centuries, reflecting a rich history of culinary tradition. The Marrakech Ember Bites capture the essence of these historic bazaars, bringing forth a meld of ingredients that speaks to the authenticity and adaptability of Moroccan cultural influences on modern cooking.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast - 500g
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Ras el Hanout - 2 teaspoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Lemon - 1, juiced
• Red Onion - 1, finely chopped
• Fresh Coriander - 1/4 cup, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Pita Bread - to serve
• Yogurt - 1 cup, for drizzling

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Marrakech Ember Bites involves a combination of marinating and grilling, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken breast while enhancing its natural juices.

Marinating the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, ras el hanout, garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
3. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour to absorb the spices fully.

Cooking Process

With the preparation complete, it's time to move on to the cooking stage.

Grilling the Chicken

1. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the grill, cooking them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) using a cooking timer for accuracy.
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

The Marrakech Ember Bites are best enjoyed fresh off the grill. Serve them on a platter surrounded by warm pita bread and a bowl of creamy yogurt for drizzling.

Assembly

1. Place the grilled chicken bites on a serving dish.
2. Sprinkle with finely chopped red onion and fresh coriander.
3. To enjoy, fill the pita bread with the chicken bites, a touch of the garnishing onion and coriander, and a drizzle of yogurt to balance the spices.

This dish is perfect for serving at gatherings or as part of a Moroccan-themed meal. Its rich, savory taste is complemented by the coolness of yogurt and freshness of herbs. Enjoy a culinary journey to the heart of Marrakech with each bite!