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How to Make Moroccan Tfaya

Moroccan Tfaya

Introduction
How to Make Moroccan Tfaya is a traditional Moroccan side dish served with rich and festive meals such as Moroccan couscous and Rfissa with chicken. It is mainly made from caramelized onions and raisins slowly cooked over low heat with spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and saffron.
Known for its sweet flavor balanced with warm spices, Tfaya is usually placed on top of the meat in the center of couscous or served in separate bowls. Tfaya adds a deep, rich, and harmonious taste and is considered an essential touch in Moroccan feasts and family gatherings
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: moroccan
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 kg onions, sliced
  • 250 g  raisins, soaked
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • Saffron
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil

Equipment

  • Large Bowl: For soaking the raisins in cold water
  • Frying Pan (with lid): For cooking the onions and the rest of the ingredients

Method
 

  1. First, soak 250 grams of raisins in cold water for two hours.In a frying pan,
    How to Make Moroccan Tfaya
  2. add the oil, then cut the onions into slices. Add the spices, ghee (Smen), and saffron. Place the pan over low heat, cover it, and stir from time to time for 30 minutes
  3. Add the drained raisins and another half tablespoon of cinnamon.
  4. Then, add 3 tablespoons of sugar or flower honey (any light-flavored honey) according to your taste; it should have a sweet flavor
  5. Leave it to finish cooking without a cover so the liquids can evaporate and the raisins can plump up until they become caramelized.
    How to Make Moroccan Tfaya
  6. This process takes about another half hour over low heat to prevent the sugar from burning and creating an unwanted bitterness.
  7. It should reach a dark color to ensure a concentrated and delicious taste, as the flavor varies depending on the depth of the color.
  8. Usually, it is topped with crushed fried almonds or toasted almond flakes
    Moroccan Tfaya

Notes

Dishes that can be served with Tfaya 
  • Couscous with Meat or Chicken: (The most famous pairing for Tfaya)
  • Meat Tajine with Onions and Raisins
  • Fish Tajine with Onions and Raisins
  • Chicken Tajine with Onions and Raisins
  • Rfissa: (A traditional Moroccan dish made with shredded msemmen and chicken)