Today is the day of Ashura over here. It’s the 10th day of the first month in the Muslim’s lunar calendar. It’s a day of remembrance of several Prophets whom Allah granted mercy on this day, such as Prophet Noah (Nuh) and Prophet Moses (Musa).
It is recommended to fast on this day just as our beloved last Prophet Muhammad (sas) did.  (note: this has nothing to do with the Shi’a traditions of martyrdom)   

So we will abstain from food today, inchaallah, but this evening we will make Moroccan Tea just as everyone everyday around here.

Tea is essential in Morocco.
It is a meaning of comfort, peace and tranquillity.
It is a sign of hospitality and having time together.

And with its bittersweet taste it is a refreshener and booster of energy.

Here’s my recipe for Berber Moroccan Tea (a’tey) 

A metal teapot (for 1 litre)

Little tea glasses

1,5 l boiling water

3-4 tablespoons of Chinese green tea (gunpowder or chunmee)

5 (or more!!!) tablespoons of white sugar (we use broken sugar loaf pieces)

Herbs as you like and according to the season, such as: mint, peppermint, verbena in summer and lavender, thyme, vermouth in winter.

Throw the green tea into the teapot and cover with some boiling water; don’t fill the whole pot, just about a quarter of it. Then swing it a bit and rinse the tea.
Now pour this first tea-water away; it is dirty, dark and very bitter.

Then pour again fresh boiling water into the pot over the tea. Fill it now to three quarters. Then put the teapot onto the stove (we have a gas-cooker) and let it boil until it bubbles up.
Remove it from the fire and slowly put now the herbs and the sugar in.

Take a glass and pour some tea in, re-fill it into the pot and pour again into the glass – repeat this a several times until the sugar is melted and the tea makes a good mousse on its top (just as good beer for non-Muslims).
Now taste a little, maybe you need to add more (!!!) sugar?
Once it looks lovely golden brown and tastes good, I mean bitter, but very lovely sweet, then serve – maybe with some nuts or cookies.

That’s the taste of Morocco – Bismillah friends!

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