LET’S HYGGE MAY 2024

Let's hygge Lindbjerg Graphic Journal Blog

[definition of hygge]

a quality of cosiness and comfortable living that engenders a feeling of contentment and well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

Add a little hygge to each month

I hope this little greeting finds you well. This month, I’ll share my recommendations for Marrakech, Morocco with you. I adore the place and have just returned from an inspiring workshop there, involving cooking, photographing, and exploring. Marrakech is a melting pot of artisan craftsmanship, wholesome food, delicious spices, rooftop restaurants and cafes, the call to prayers five times a day, hidden riads, and all the muted, earthy tones I adore. In that spirit, I share with you my top 5 highlights of Marrakech, the transformations of an old Moroccan rug into useful floor cushions and the perfect Moroccan soup “Harira” for the cold nights to come. Enjoy your May, and I hope you find a thing or two that will create hygge in your home and soul!

1. The Jardin Secret – a fairytale garden located right in the middle of the city. A true oasis. I had a nous nous (meaning equal parts coffee and steamed milk) at their lovely cafe, which overlooks the garden from the top terrace.

2. Café des Épices is my favourite spot for whole food lunch. Located on the little square Place Des Épices, filled with stalls of exquisite craftsmanship.

3. L’Mida is a great rooftop restaurant suited for dinner. It has breathtaking views of the city, super cool and friendly staff, stunning interior and fantastic food – I would recommend shared platters!

4. UmMami by The Melting Pot Foundation is highly recommended for a cooking class. It has a professional kitchen and chefs teaching.

5. Riad Jaseema Marrakech is tasteful and understated Riad catering for up to 6 guests. Great location, walking distance to everything!

Photos below is from my favorite garden in Marrakech – The Jardin Secret

Photos below is from my favorite cafe Cafè des èpices

Photos below is from my favorite roof top restaurant L’mida

Photos below is from my cooking class at Um Mami The Melting pot foundation

Photos below is from Riad Jaseema Marrakech – small exclusive Riad for only 6 guests!

CUSHIONS FROM OLD MOROCCAN RUGS

ALL YOU NEED:
sewing thread (double)
a solid scissor for cutting the rug
pillow for filling
measuring tape
chalk to mark where you should cut

STEP BY STEP:
On my morning walks I add an element of excitement by looking for treasures that are put out for council pick up. Over the years I have found great things like rattan lounge tables, cool wooden benches on which I store my books and a bunch of indispensable baskets. One time I was especially lucky to find a huge kelim rug in the most adorable colours. It was dismissed because of it holes but I immediately saw that I could turn it into beautiful cushions for our outdoor area. I sew everything I could on my old sewing machine and the parts that got too thick I stitched by hand. I have a few inside on the floor and they are often used for a quick nap by both humans and dogs!

HARIRA – MAROCCAN SOUP

The first night at the Riad they served this classic, Moroccan soup with chickpeas. It was SO good that I have made it several times since my return. It benefits from being made the day before you served it, as the flavours will developed even more. It’s beautiful served with the roasted chickpeas and a green drizzle of mint and French parsley!

SERVES 4-6 PERSONS

INGREDIENTS

HARIRA SOUP
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
2 onions, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, diced
50 g concentrated tomato puree
1 can of chopped tomatoes
100 g squash, coarsely grated
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ras el hanout
1 liter of vegetable broth
1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
75 g red lentils
1/2 lemon, the juice
olive oil, for frying
salt
black pepper, freshly ground

ROASTED CHICKPEAS
1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tsp flake salt
1 tsp smoked paprika

FOR SERVING
1 handful of fresh mint
1 handful of broad-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

ROASTED CHICKPEAS Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika and salt. Bake them on baking paper in a preheated oven at 175 degrees for approx. 20-25 minutes. Turn them a few times along the way.

HARIRA SOUP Roast cumin and coriander in a hot dry pan, stir until fragrant. Turn down the heat and add oil, onion and garlic and sauté, stirring, until the onions become soft.

Add celery, tomato puree, chopped tomatoes, squash, turmeric, ginger, chili, smoked paprika, ras el hanout, vegetable broth, chickpeas and red lentils.

Heat to the boiling point while stirring, put the lid on and turn down the heat and let the soup simmer for approx. 25-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

FOR SERVING Season with lemon juice, salt and pepper and serve the soup steaming hot with roasted chickpeas, mint and parsley.

Every morning in Marrakech I went for a long walk to see the city wake up. I love walking in the early morning in a new place. It’s a great way to get to know the city and a lovely opportunity to take photos before everything gets hectic. Every morning I came back with a bunch of photos of donkeys. I was fascinated by the calm but hardworking animal which is used to carry materials into the narrow alleys of the old city. They all wore handmade saddles with old woolen, Moroccan rugs underneath for protection.