Ramadan has arrived, and if you’re a Gen-Zer flying solo (whether by choice or chance), you’ve probably been wondering how to get by.

Marrakech –  How do I make ftour on my own? Do I need a whole squad for this? 

Fret not, my friend, because I’ve got a quick and tasty recipe that’ll make you feel like a culinary genius — even if you’re dining for one.

Let’s set the scene. It’s 6:40 p.m. The evening call to prayer fills the air, your stomach has been giving you the side-eye for hours, and you still haven’t prepped anything to eat. 

But you’re here, and that’s all that matters. Grab your apron — or whatever passes for an apron in your Gen Z wardrobe — and let’s get to work.

The Moroccan Breakfast Blueprint

Dates 

It’s best to go easy on the stomach when you first start out and dates (tmr) is the best way to do it. 

Pop a few of these in for energy while you continue chef-ing up the rest. 

Mint Tea

There is nothing like  a warm, sweet cup of Moroccan mint tea (atay bn3na3). 

Fill a tea pot of water on the stove and add fresh mint and a bit of sugar to green tea. Just steep, sip, and enjoy.

Mssmen 

The flaky, square mssmen is a breakfast staple. 

If you don’t have time, or don’t know how, to make them from scratch, pick up pre-made ones from the store. 

You can find these in many Middle Eastern or Moroccan shops, or even in larger supermarkets. 

Warm them up in a pan and serve with butter and honey for the classic touch.

Eggs with tomatoes and olives 

Scramble a few eggs with tomatoes, onions, cumin, and paprika. 

Or, for a quicker version, fry them with some olives and olive oil. 

This is a hearty, traditional touch to any ftour. If you’re not in the mood for a scramble, boiled eggs work just as well.

Olives & Dates  

Add some olives (either green or black) and dates to your plate. 

These are traditional ftour snacks that provide a salty-sweet balance. Plus, they’re easy to find at most grocery stores.

Bread 

Every Moroccan breakfast needs bread. 

Grab some khobz (traditional round bread) or harcha (semolina flatbread) from the bakery early in the morning before all the good ones run out. 

You can find both fresh or frozen in many supermarkets, making it super easy to heat up and serve.

Fruits

Round off your meal with fresh, seasonal fruit — think oranges, bananas, or figs. 

Moroccan breakfasts often include fresh fruit to cleanse the palate and add some sweetness.

Optional extra: add a touch of luxury

For a little extra flair, drizzle some amlou (almond spread with honey and argan oil) on your mssmen or bread. 

This spread, originating from Morocco’s Souss region, can be found in stores that specialize in Moroccan or Mediterranean foods. 

It’s the perfect way to elevate your ftour without much effort.