How to Make Moroccan Mint Tea and Pair It with Sweets

Moroccan mint tea, also known as “Atay b'naanaa”, is a beloved beverage that embodies the essence of Moroccan hospitality. It's the drink that’s shared with family and friends during gatherings, celebrations, and even casual visits. What makes Moroccan mint tea so special is its perfect balance of green tea, fresh mint, and sugar—all carefully brewed to create a refreshing and aromatic experience. Paired with traditional Moroccan sweets, mint tea becomes an essential part of Moroccan culture. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the art of making Moroccan mint tea and suggest the perfect sweets to serve with it.

1. The Art of Brewing Moroccan Mint Tea

Making Moroccan mint tea is a process that involves more than just brewing tea. The key is in the technique and the quality of ingredients. Here's how to make it just like the Moroccans do:

• Ingredients:
  • Green tea (Gunpowder green tea is commonly used in Morocco)
  • Fresh mint (preferably spearmint)
  • Sugar (Moroccans often use a lot of sugar, but you can adjust it to your taste)
  • Boiling water
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse the tea: Start by rinsing the green tea leaves with a little hot water to remove any dust. This step is crucial to ensure a clean, refreshing taste.
  2. Brew the tea: Add 1-2 teaspoons of green tea leaves to a teapot. Pour in a small amount of boiling water (about 1/4 of the pot) and swirl it around. Discard the water to remove any excess bitterness.
  3. Add mint: Fill the teapot halfway with boiling water and add a generous handful of fresh mint leaves. Let it steep for a few minutes.
  4. Sweeten the tea: Add sugar to taste—traditionally, Moroccan mint tea is quite sweet, but you can adjust the sweetness based on your preference.
  5. Serve: Pour the tea into small glasses from a height to create a frothy top. Serve hot, and don’t forget to garnish with more fresh mint leaves for extra fragrance!

2. Pairing Moroccan Mint Tea with Traditional Sweets

Moroccan mint tea is often served with an array of delightful Moroccan pastries and sweets. The subtle bitterness of green tea and the refreshing mint blend perfectly with the rich, sweet flavors of Moroccan desserts. Here are some classic Moroccan sweets to pair with your tea:

• Chebakia: These sesame-coated, honey-soaked pastries are deep-fried to crispy perfection. Their sweet and nutty flavor complements the refreshing taste of mint tea.
• Kaab el Ghazal: These crescent-shaped almond-filled pastries are lightly sweetened with honey and flavored with orange blossom water. They have a delicate texture that balances beautifully with mint tea.
• Briouats: These small, triangle-shaped pastries are either filled with sweetened almonds or savory fillings, then fried until golden. The sweetness of the almond-filled briouats works wonderfully with the minty tea.
• Sellou: This rich, nutty mixture of roasted almonds, sesame seeds, and flour is often served during special occasions. Its dense, slightly sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with the freshness of mint tea.

3. The Ritual of Moroccan Tea Time

Drinking mint tea is more than just a refreshing experience—it’s a social ritual. In Morocco, tea time is an occasion to gather with friends and family, share stories, and enjoy the delicious combination of tea and sweets. Here’s how you can make your tea time even more special:

• Set the mood: Moroccan tea is often served with an inviting spread of sweets, so make sure to have your favorite pastries ready. Use a traditional Moroccan teapot (called a "kettara") and small glass cups to elevate the experience.
• Invite others to join: Moroccan tea time is best enjoyed with others. Invite friends or family over for an afternoon of tea and sweets to embrace the social aspect of the tradition.
• Enjoy slowly: In Morocco, tea is consumed slowly, sip by sip. Take your time to appreciate the warmth of the tea and the delicate flavors of the sweets.

4. Where to Buy Moroccan Sweets for Your Tea Time

If you’re looking to bring the authentic taste of Morocco to your home, Al-Bazar Alarabi offers a wide range of traditional Moroccan pastries. Whether you’re craving Chebakia, Kaab el Ghazal, or Sellou, our sweets are made with the finest ingredients and follow traditional recipes.

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