{"id":132533,"date":"2026-01-21T14:10:27","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T14:10:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.amourdecuisine.fr\/?p=132533"},"modified":"2026-01-21T14:13:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T14:13:16","slug":"algerian-meatballs-in-a-chickpea-sauce-mtewem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.amourdecuisine.fr\/en\/article-algerian-meatballs-in-a-chickpea-sauce-mtewem.html","title":{"rendered":"Algerian Meatballs in a Chickpea Sauce : Mtewem"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mtewem is an Algerian garlic-forward stew where tender meatballs simmer in a reduced tomato sauce with chickpeas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This recipe covers the garlic paste : Dersa<\/strong>, timing, and simple tricks to keep meatballs soft and the sauce glossy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bowl
mtewem, algerian cuisine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Algerian Mtewem in Red Sauce : Garlic Meatballs with Chickpeas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s one dish my kids ask for all through Ramadan, it\u2019s mtewem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The moment garlic starts slowly mellowing in the pot, they\u2019re already hovering in the kitchen, impatient for dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name says it all: \u201ctoum\u201d means garlic in Arabic, and it\u2019s what gives this Algerian classic its warm, comforting character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our red-sauce version, I make tender meatballs that simmer gently in a reduced tomato sauce until it turns glossy and almost syrupy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s rich, fragrant, and it vanishes fast, especially with plenty of bread for scooping up every last spoonful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditionally, mtewem is also made in a white sauce, often served for celebrations and finished with toasted almonds for an elegant touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At home, though, my husband always votes for the red one: deeper, bolder, and very \u201ctagine-like.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On an iftar table<\/a>, it fits perfectly beside chorba and a hot matlouh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best of all, it\u2019s truly simple. For special days, I add a few meat chunks; on busy evenings, I cook meatballs only, faster, just as satisfying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Plate<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients You\u2019ll Need for Algerian Mtewem (Red Sauce + Tender Meatballs)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For the red sauce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n