Description
Algerian Rechta, a signature dish of Algerian cuisine, is known for its delicate handmade noodles paired with a fragrant sauce of vegetables and spices.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (or pieces of meat such as lamb or beef)
- 1 onion, finely chopped or grated
- 3 tablespoons of oil (or a mix of oil and clarified butter smen)
- Seasonings: salt, black pepper, and 1 cinnamon stick
- Precooked chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 200 g (7 oz) white turnips, cut into chunks
- 2 small courgettes (zucchini), halved lengthwise
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of homemade Rechta noodles
Instructions
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In the bottom of a couscoussier (steamer pot), prepare the sauce with chicken pieces, grated onion, salt, pepper, cinnamon stick, oil, and smen.
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Sauté everything together for 2–3 minutes.
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Add 2 liters of water and the precooked chickpeas.
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Once the sauce begins to boil, place the fresh Rechta noodles in the top part of the couscoussier to steam.
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After about 15 minutes, remove the noodles, transfer them to a large bowl, drizzle with a little of the simmering sauce, loosen gently with your fingers, and coat with a small amount of oil.
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Return the noodles to the steamer for another round of steaming until light and fluffy.
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When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the sauce and set aside.
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Add the turnips and courgettes (cut in half lengthwise) into the sauce and simmer until tender.
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Serve the Rechta in a large dish, moistened with sauce, and garnish with vegetables, chickpeas, and the chicken pieces.
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For a final touch, sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: main dish
- Cuisine: algerian cuisine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 750 kcal