Algerian food is a unique and captivating fusion of Algeria, Mediterranean, and North African flavors, rich in umami and richness that few cuisines can match. This is a list of 10 popular Algerian foods that you should try now.
01- Couscous – Steamed Semolina with Meat Stew
Couscous is probably the most famous Algerian dish. It is usually eaten on Fridays because of the centuries-old tradition of serving couscous to the poorest people in the country on Fridays.
Couscous is made by steaming semolina for about 10 minutes. Serve with stew and a variety of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and zucchini.
02- Tajin Zitoun – Chicken and Olives Dish
Tajine zitoun, is a traditional Algerian dish made with chicken and olives.
The preparation starts with sauteing chicken nuggets with onions and spices. They are later cooked with dried olives, potatoes, and vegetables, and flour is added at the end to thicken the stew.
Do you know what the court means? “Zitun” means “olive” and “tajine” (or “tagine” in English) refers to a North African earthenware pot and food cooked in it. You should use one with tagine zitoun and eat delicious chicken with rice or bread.
03- Kesra – Simple Flatbread with Olive Oil
Typical Algerian breakfast recipes usually center on bread. There are many varieties to choose from, the easiest of which is Kesra. But don’t let the simplicity fool you: Kesra is made from semolina dough mixed with high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Bread has many names. It is Khobz Ftir in the capital Algiers, Kesra near Constantine in eastern Algeria . But the real Kessera is kind and warm in any guise.
04- Mhadjeb – Flatbread with Tomato and Onion Stuffing
Mhadjeb is an Algerian specialty. This is a semolina pastry.
The preparation of mhadjeb fillings varies from region to region. It is usually filled with onions and tomatoes.
This dish is well known and loved in the Maghreb countries. From fast food restaurants to street vendors, you can try this healthy meal in a variety of ways.
Usually eaten during the day, give them a little spiciness by adding things like harissa. mhadjeb also goes well with many salads.
05- Baghrir & Tamina – Spongy Semolina Pancake – Semolina, Honey, and Butter Dessert
Baghrir
After you get tired of rich and heavy foods, you may need some light meals. How about the fluffy baghrir, honeycomb pancakes commonly found on Maghreb tables?
The best seasoning for Baghrir is a mixture of butter and honey. The spongy surface completely absorbed the sauce, giving it a pleasant sweet and fruity flavor. Algerians usually eat pancakes as a healthy snack on normal days and during Ramadan.
Tamina
Algeria may not seem like a land of milk and honey to you. But milk (or dairy products) and honey are an integral part of many Algerian recipes. For example, the traditional Algerian dessert Tamina relies on them for their irresistible sweetness and aroma.
People prepare tamina by mixing moderately toasted semolina with a mixture of butter and honey and heating the mixture. Add some ground cinnamon, hazelnuts or almonds and your beautiful tamina is ready to go.
06- Rechta – Algerian Noodles Served with Broth
Rechta is a specialty of Algerian cuisine. Families across the country can enjoy it any time of year.
This is typical Algerian food. The noodles are cooked in a cinnamon-flavored white sauce. It is served with chicken and vegetables, usually beets and zucchini.
Algerians usually make pasta from a homemade dough made from durum wheat semolina, flour and eggs.
It’s easy to prepare, healthy and delicious. Algerians often serve this dish on special occasions such as El Mouloud, Achoura and El Eid.
07- Chorba Frik – Crushed Wheat Soup
Chorba Frik (also known as El Jari outside the capital) is best known in the northern region of Algeria. During Ramadan, it is eaten daily as a main course.
It’s a light soup made with tomatoes and frik (a special type of green wheat and high in fiber), coriander, onion, celery, meat, and chickpeas.
08- Harira – Tomato Soup
When Algerians eat chorba frik at the end of Ramadan, what soup do they start with? For some, especially in western Algeria, it’s harira, a tomato soup popular in the country and in neighboring Morocco.
09- Bourek – Filled Puff Pastry
Centuries ago, the vast Islamic Ottoman Empire spanned western Asia, southeastern Europe and northern Africa, including modern-day Algeria. So it’s no surprise that Bourek, a delicious pastry created during the Ottoman Empire, is also popular in the country.
Bourek is a thin baked or fried puff pastry sprinkled with sesame seeds and traditionally filled with potatoes, spices and ground lamb or beef. Wander the streets of Algeria and you’ll have no trouble finding vendors selling seafood or cheese Bourek.
10- Chakhchoukha – Flatbread Topped with Stew
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