ZaaZaa: A decadent avocado smoothie to break the Ramadan fast

Moroccan ZaaZaa is a thick and sweet avocado smoothie that resembles a layered sundae and satisfies as a post-fasting treat during Ramadan.

ZaaZaa is one of Morocco's most decadent treats. It's both a smoothie and a dessert, but its main ingredient may come as a surprise: avocado. 

"In most parts of the world, people think of avocado as a savoury food rather than a dessert, but when I was a kid, we would split an avocado in half, sprinkle some sugar on top and then eat it with a spoon," said Alia Al Kasimi, founder of the online cooking school Flavors of Morocco and author of Moroccan Cookies: 20 Recipes You Must Try Before You Die.

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The name ZaaZaa is a play on the Darija (Moroccan Arabic) word "تيزعزع" (pronounced "TeYZaazaa"), which refers to the act of shaking things up, whether that be physically or emotionally.

The concoction's origins are a bit of a mystery. Morocco's first dedicated avocado orchards weren't set up until the early 2000s, but now Morocco is the ninth largest exporter of the fruit. Al Kasimi says that as avocadoes became more common, it was a natural progression for Moroccans to begin experimenting and becoming more creative in their recipes. 

Despite being referred to as a smoothie, ZaaZaa very much resembles a layered sundae. The "smoothie" component consists of avocados blended with milk and dried fruits, like raisins and dates. The combination is poured into a glass that's drizzled with syrup (chocolate, caramel and strawberry flavours are common choices) and can include layers of sliced fruit such as banana and kiwi. The toppings vary wildly, but KitKat bars, Oreo cookies and whipped cream are popular options. 

"ZaaZaa is a calorie bomb," Al Kasimi said. "It's so thick you have to eat it with a spoon. You top it with almonds, walnuts, cookies, some chocolate sauce – whatever you can find." 

Dave Patera, a food researcher and content creator who recreates recipes that pay tribute to his family's North African roots, echoes that sentiment.

"ZaaZaa is a fan favourite in Morocco," he said. "People get really excited about it and there's almost a bit of a competitive aspect to it: 'What are the most outrageous toppings? How much stuff can we pack into the glass?' It almost becomes a game. The most important thing is to have fun with it." 

Although ZaaZaa is available throughout the year, it's especially sought out during Ramadan as a post-fasting treat. Huge heaps of avocados are sold by street vendors so locals can make their own smoothies at home, and ZaaZaa is sold at patisseries and mahlabas (local stores that specialise in breakfast foods and snacks across the country). It typically costs 20 to 30 dirhams (£1.60 to £2.40). 

"People aren't counting calories during Ramadan," Al Kasimi said. "They're looking to feel full and reenergised after fasting all day."

Patera says that between the high fat content of the avocado and the caloric dried fruit and nuts, ZaaZaa is "very satiating", but that the act of going out to get one is also a form of satisfaction.

"Moroccans, by and large, are living in a Muslim society and don't drink [alcohol], so there's a community aspect of going for a smoothie," Patera explained. "It's an important part of social life." 

Despite ZaaZaa's popularity among locals, it remains relatively unknown to those outside the country. 

Al Kasimi recalls being amused when she heard about the rise of over-the-top milkshakes in the 2010s at cafes and burger joints across the US, UK and Australia. "Everybody was making a big deal about these crazy shakes and I remember thinking, 'We've had this for a long time in Morocco. This is ZaaZaa!'"

More like this:

• A Moroccan soup served to break the daily fast during Ramadan

• Biryani: The one-pot dish that reigns supreme for Ramadan in India

• Yennayer: North Africa's 3,000-year-old celebration

Tourists who want to try the decadent drink may find it challenging because the smoothie isn't always listed on menus, according to Amanda and Youssef Mouttaki, the wife-husband duo behind Moroccan Food Adventures, a tour company that aims to provide authentic Moroccan food experiences to English-speaking tourists. 

"The places where you go to get it are very local and you often have to ask specifically for it," said Amanda, who was first introduced to ZaaZaa by her husband when they were dating. 

"I thought it was guacamole in a cup," she said. "But it came with chocolate and fruit on it. I had a hard time mentally putting that together. Coming from the [American] Midwest, avocados were not on my snack radar." For those trying ZaaZaa for the first time, she says, "You have to throw out any expectations."

Meanwhile, Youssef says there's an easy way to know that you've ordered the right treat. "When you get a ZaaZaa and wonder, 'How am I going to start eating this? It's a mess!' That's the perfect ZaaZaa."

ZaaZaa recipe

By Alia Al Kasimi

Serves 2

Method

Blend the avocado with the milk, dates, almonds and walnuts until smooth. To serve, decorate the inside of 2 glasses with the sweet syrup of your choice. Pour the avocado smoothie into the glasses. Decorate the smoothies with the toppings of your choice. Top with even more syrup and enjoy!

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