Amanda’s Courtyard Kitchen

Join Amanda in her peaceful courtyard in Marrakesh for a private Moroccan cooking session rooted in local ingredients and traditional techniques. The experience begins with a refreshing herbal tea, like hibiscus and Moroccan cinnamon, all sourced from Amanda’s own organic farms. You’ll prepare regional dishes such as tagine or shakshuka, blending your own spices by hand using a pestle and mortar—a cornerstone of Moroccan home cooking. The food is cooked slowly over charcoal, adding a distinct depth of flavor. Lunch is served under the trees, on colorful ceramics that reflect the craft traditions of the region. Throughout, Amanda brings ease, warmth, and good humor to the process—making the session as accessible as it is informative. Along the way, you’ll also learn how sustainable farming and regenerative practices shape her approach to both cooking and community.

What makes this experience special is Amanda herself—an organic farmer, chef, and tea/spice producer who approaches Moroccan cuisine with care and purpose. Many of the herbs, spices, and vegetables used in the class come directly from her farms, grown using regenerative methods that support soil health and long-term sustainability. With Amanda’s clear, attentive guidance, you’ll use traditional tools like charcoal and mortar to prepare simple, flavorful dishes. She brings poise, humor, and deep knowledge to every step, making the experience engaging, fun and fulfilling. Details matter: from the way the ingredients are sourced to the handmade ceramics on the table, to the methods to prepare each ingredient, reflecting Amanda’s commitment to quality and sustainability. Her collaborations with local restaurants and her thoughtful sourcing model offer guests something lasting—not just a good meal, but a more grounded way to think about food..

Amanda, a New Zealander who has embraced Marrakesh as her home for over two decades, has become a pivotal figure in the culinary landscape of the region. With 35 years of global culinary experience, she expertly melds her extensive knowledge with the rich flavors and traditions of Moroccan cuisine. In Marrakesh, Amanda has collaborated extensively with local restaurants, helping to elevate the region's dining scene through her commitment to sustainability and farm-to-table practices. Her passion for traditional Moroccan cooking shines through in her hands-on classes, where she guides participants in creating authentic dishes such as flavorful tagines and vibrant salads. Amanda's deep understanding of local ingredients and culinary techniques, refined through years of living and cooking in Morocco, enriches her teaching, offering participants valuable insights and a true taste of local culture.

Comfortable clothes and footwear, and a healthy appetite.