Marrakech: Farm Cooking Class & Traditional Tajine Lunch

Summary

Moroccan tajine hands-on cooking class on a marrakech farm

You’ll sip mint tea beneath fig trees near Marrakech before picking fresh herbs and learning to cook a traditional Moroccan tajine outdoors with local guidance. Prepare your own meal from scratch, taste slow-cooked beef with prunes and almonds, and share laughter over lunch in the shade—a memory that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever tried cracking almonds by hand?" That’s how our guide, Fatima, greeted us when we arrived at the farm outside Marrakech. I was still half-asleep from the drive — it’s maybe 30 minutes from the city center, but you leave the noise behind fast. The air smelled like mint and something sweet I couldn’t place at first (turns out: orange blossoms). We sat under a fig tree while Fatima poured mint tea — she made it look easy, but I nearly spilled mine trying to copy her pour. She laughed and handed me another glass.

After tea, we wandered through rows of olive trees and wild herbs. Chickens darted around our feet. Fatima pointed out what we’d use for the tajine — fresh coriander, plump prunes, even eggs from their own hens. I didn’t expect to actually pick ingredients myself; that part felt oddly grounding. When we got to the outdoor kitchen, aprons were handed out (mine was way too big but whatever) and we started prepping beef for the almond-prune tajine. The spices clung to my fingers for hours after — cinnamon, ginger, something smoky I still can’t name.

I thought making a tajine would be complicated but it’s mostly patience and letting things simmer while you swap stories. Fatima showed us how to layer everything just right in the clay pot — then covered it up like tucking in a child for a nap. Lunch was slow: eating under the trees with warm bread and that glossy gravy over beef, sweet prunes melting into everything. Someone’s phone rang in the distance but nobody answered. I still think about that silence.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Farm visit and tajine cooking class

• Pickup from meeting point
• Drive to the farm
• Prepare Moroccan tea and sweets
• Tour farm trees and vegetation
• Cook almond prunes beef tajine outdoors

Top questions

How far is the farm from Marrakech city center?

About 30 minutes by car; pickup is included.

Is this Moroccan cooking class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What dish do we cook during the class?

You’ll make an almond prune beef tajine—slow-cooked beef with gravy, fried almonds, sweet prunes, and boiled eggs.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the farm.

Do I need to bring any cooking equipment?

No—all aprons, utensils, plates, cups, knives, spoons, and forks are provided.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Marrakech city center to the farm, all cooking equipment (aprons, tajines, plates), a guided walk through gardens to pick fresh ingredients together with your host Fatima or another local guide, hands-on preparation of a traditional almond prune beef tajine in an outdoor kitchen setting—and finally a long lunch under the trees before heading back.