The Moroccan Jews are known for Mimouna, the exuberant festival held on the evening and day after Passover. And as with most Jewish holidays, fabulous food is an integral part of the celebration.** 1
Mimouna is derived from the Arabic word for wealth and good fortune (literally “protected by God,” ma’amoun). Since Passover is the beginning of the new agricultural year, it is a time to pray for plentiful crops, a symbol of general prosperity.
I had the honor of attending a Mimouna celebration at the home of a dear Moroccan friend. While all the food was delicious I was particularly taken with the Tref Popovers; bacon-wrapped shrimp with feta cheese and beef sweetbreads. Yum! Happy Mimouna!
**1: A notable exception to this is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, where devout Jews fast for 24 hours and the not so devout simply don’t eat where anyone can see them. There is a growing school of thought that Chinese food may be exempt and consumption allowed on this day because a half-hour after you eat it you are hungry again.
(This joke is wrong on so many levels and if you understand the Chinese food reference you are at least 70 years old.)