Marrakech – Living solo sounds dreamy in theory: your space, your rules, your Spotify playlists echoing through the kitchen. Then comes lunchtime — and reality knocks with an empty fridge and a craving for something that tastes like home.

So what’s a girl (or guy) to do when she’s away from the family nest but still dreaming of mom’s loubia?

Here’s a little lunch inspiration for the Moroccan soul who’s flying solo but still wants to eat like royalty — without a full-blown operation in the kitchen.

Loubia

White beans, tomato paste, garlic, and cumin. That’s it.

A pressure cooker turns this into a nostalgic masterpiece in under 30 minutes.

Add harissa if you’re feeling bold. Eat it with bread. Or over rice if you’re suddenly influenced by TikTok.

It’s the taste of home, minus the five aunts in the kitchen telling you it needs more salt.

Quinoa couscous

You can take the girl out of the couscous Fridays, but you can’t take the couscous out of her system.

So let’s remix it. Cook some quinoa, throw in steamed carrots, zucchini, chickpeas, and a little cinnamon for that nostalgic hug.

It’s couscous gone modern with minimal effort and maximum effect.

Sardines

The humble canned sardine gets a bad rap, but hear me out.

Mix it with chopped tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of paprika.

Spread it on toast or wrap it in a tortilla. It’s giving ftour vibes, but portable.

Tagine hack

No, you don’t need a tagine pot to make a delicious meal that feels like home. A deep skillet or small pot will do.

Throw in chopped chicken, preserved lemon (or just lemon juice, no shame), olives, garlic, olive oil, and spices.

Let it simmer while you scroll on Instagram. Your apartment will smell like your mom just called to say she made your favorite.

Lentils

Quick, warm, protein-packed, and cozy, lentils with cumin, tomato paste, garlic, and coriander are the perfect comfort meal.

Top with a boiled egg if you’re feeling fancy. It’s the Moroccan girl’s answer to soup season — even if it’s 30°C outside and you’re sweating over your lunch break.

Let’s not forget…

Some days, lunch is just khobz b zit zitoun and a silent prayer that you’ll somehow stumble upon a diala mama at the office who’ll feed you leftovers.

But until then, these meals are proof that you can cook for one, still feel connected to your roots, and make lunch the most comforting part of your day.

Bsaha!