Looking for traditional Algerian recipes? Want to know what goes into making authentic food in Algeria? Read our guide for more facts & information…
Traditional Algerian food varies by region and shows influences from the Berbers, Arabs, Jews and French colonists who have all occupied the area. Much of the cuisine is highly spiced and it has been called the creole cooking of the Middle East.
Cucumber and Yogurt Soup
This is a chilled soup which would be refreshing on a hot summer day. Unlike many Algerian dishes, it is not spicy.
• 2 ½ cups plain yogurt
• 1 large unpeeled cucumber with ends trimmed off
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped mint
• 2 cloves garlic
• grated rind of 1 lemon
• 2/3 cup cold water
Grate the cucumber and crush the garlic cloves then mix with yogurt, lemon rind and chopped mint. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and chill for at least one hour. Stir in ice water adding extra if the soup is too thick. Pour into bowls and garnish with mint leaves if desired. Serves 6.
Cooked Carrot Salad
A traditional vegetarian dish, this salad uses spices in a different way.
• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut in quarters lengthwise
• 3 chopped garlic cloves
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp cumin
• parsley
• lemon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp sugar
Cover carrots with water and cook with garlic, salt and sugar for about 15 minutes. Drain and refrigerate until chilled. Cover with lemon juice and add cayenne, cumin and chopped parsley.
Djedj b’l-Qasbour
This is a simple to prepare traditional Algerian food recipe.
• 2 lbs skinless chicken breast cut in cubes
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ lb Greek olives, halved and pitted
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• juice of 1 lemon
In a saute pan, brown the chicken in butter or oil. Add the garlic and spices and saute for about 10 minutes. Add one cup of water and simmer until chicken is tender and add lemon juice and olives and simmer for an additional 8 minutes. Serve over rice or steamed couscous.
These dishes are traditional Algerian food recipes which are mildly spiced and should please Western palates. While exotic, any of these recipes would work well with many Western foods. Recipes for the spicier Algerian dishes are available online or may be found in a public library or local bookstore. Algerian cuisine offers a wide variety of tastes and the use of spices may be subtle or exuberant. All of the recipes provided are simple to prepare at home even for inexperienced cooks.
