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Algerian rechta

Rechta: Traditional Algerian Handmade Noodle with White Sauce


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  • Author: Amour de cuisine
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 portions

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

Scale
  • 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

  1. In the bottom of a couscoussier (steamer pot), prepare the sauce with chicken pieces, grated onion, salt, pepper, cinnamon stick, oil, and smen.

  2. Sauté everything together for 2–3 minutes.

  3. Add 2 liters of water and the precooked chickpeas.

  4. Once the sauce begins to boil, place the fresh Rechta noodles in the top part of the couscoussier to steam.

  5. 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.

  6. Return the noodles to the steamer for another round of steaming until light and fluffy.

  7. When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the sauce and set aside.

  8. Add the turnips and courgettes (cut in half lengthwise) into the sauce and simmer until tender.

  9. Serve the Rechta in a large dish, moistened with sauce, and garnish with vegetables, chickpeas, and the chicken pieces.

  10. 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