A Moroccan Feast for 8 for $20

With the necessary belt-tightening that comes with today's shaky economy, it is more important than ever to have fun on the cheap. Instead of going out for the evening with friends, why not have them over for an exotic Moroccan meal for $20 or less? A Moroccan menu suits most people's palates as it is not spicy but incorporates many rich and interesting flavors. It will definitely be a night to remember and one that won't break the budget.

Menu

Moroccan Flatbread
Beef Kebabs
Chicken Tagine
Cardamom Rice
Mint tea
Anise Fekkas

Shopping List
Note: this list assumes that you have basic pantry items on hand

2 lbs ground beef ($4)
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts ($6)
3 lemons ($1.50)
Jasmine Rice ($2)
Bottle of green olives ($2)
Can of sliced black olives ($1)
Mint tea bags ($1.50)
Vegetables ($2)

Moroccan Flatbread

This fragrant warm fry bread is used many ways in Morocco. For this feast, it is a perfect accompaniment to the tagine in order to sop up the juices. After making the batch, keep the bread covered with a slightly damp towel in warm oven until ready to serve.

Beef Kebabs

This popular street food can be found in the marketplace in Marrakech. It can be made with practically any ground meat- most often lamb- but we will use ground beef here to keep the costs down. The recipe makes about 24 skewers which is about three per person. That is a good number to accompany the rest of the meal. If you were counting on it to be the main entree, double the recipe.

Chicken Tagine

A tagine is both an ages-old Moroccan dish and the vessel it is cooked in. The traditional chimney-shaped cooker allows steam to rise, condense, and then fall back into the dish, keeping stews moist and tender. This chicken tagine uses an everyday covered skillet. If making it as the only main dish in the meal, double the recipe.

Cardamom Rice

This unusual pairing of jasmine rice and cardamom pods produces the perfect side to the chicken tagine. Don't be tempted to use pre-ground cardamom- spring for the whole pods. It will make a significant difference in the taste.

Mint Tea

Hot mint tea is consumed across Morocco but is very different than what you are likely used to. It is a sweetened green tea with fresh mint leaves added to the cup. Mint tea has a long and storied history in Morocco and is a symbol of hospitality.

Anise Fekkas

Fekkas are a traditional Moroccan cookie that is twice-baked like Italian biscotti and is often served with mint tea. This version is single-baked to make a lighter ending to your Moroccan feast.