Algerian food

[lydiasmom]

Anytime Sania, I'll try to post more recipes Inshallah.
I have no idea about cassava . I don't think that it's a common product in Algeria. The other product (yam), if you mean sweet potatoes, are common in Algeria but we don't dry them or anything, we eat them fresh after cooking them in the oven, on the BBQ or boiled.

[sania]

Strange, you are not aware of cassava, Lydiasmom!
Yam is a root, like sweet potato, but different.

I was in Nigeria for a short period on business with some French & Germans.

I came to know about yam & cassava from the servants.

Cassava is also cultivated in the Indian hilly state of Kerala.
A starchy paste is made from cassava,and eaten like couscous with meat, fish etc.,

I thought they must be widely used in Algeria, being a dry lands.

[lydiasmom]

Sania,
The desert (sahara or dry lands) in algeria contains a very large amount of underground water, the concentration of the population is always in areas called OASIS. In the oasis, people cultivate date palms, wheat, vegetables and fruits same quality or better than what you find in the north, excluding the date palms. The best quality tomatoes are grown in Adrar and are exported to europe.

[lydiasmom]

Take this as a contest.

I will send a prize for the best three innovative, original recipe for poor & middle class Algerians,
using easily available Algerian ingredients,
simple and easy to cook,
wholesome & nutritious!

Sania, this is my second recipe, very nutritious. One more left and I'll get the prize



Shorba (Algerian soup - a must for Ramadan).

Lamb (a pound is good, we use Lamb as well as chicken)
3 Tomatoes
1 Onion
1 Zucchini (Courgette)
1 carrot
1 potato
Cilantro and mint (fresh)
Salt and black pepper
Paprika
cinnamon
Cayenne Pepper or Harissa
Oil
Tomato Paste
Frik, algerian name of crushed wheat (similar to burghul).

(1)Cut the lamb or chicken into bite-size chunks and throw it in the pot; dice the vegetables (tomatoes, onion, zucchini, carrot, potato), and chop the cilantro and mint. Add all that to the meat. Add oil and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper or harissa, and put the pot on the stove over medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes.
(2)Add water to your preferred consistency. 4 to 6 cups of water will be good. Simmer, with lid closed, over low heat for about an hour.
(3)Add tomato paste and bring all to boil; then throw in about a cup of frik (crushed wheat) and stir. Allow 15 minutes to simmer.
(4)Serve in bowls, top with fresh cilantro and mint and enjoy. Algerians eat the soup with french baguette or with traditional home made bread (Khobz Ed'dar).
Enjoy!!

[sania]

Hi mom..
That is a good recipe alright..

It seems there is no competition for you for the prize..

What prize..?

A basket of Alphonso mangoes from India?
The queen of fruits..

[lydiasmom]

What prize..?

A basket of Alphonso mangoes from India?
The queen of fruits..

Sania, did you change your mind about the prize?
I am still thinking about my third and last recipe to post (to get the prize)
I am glad that you liked my Shorba.

PS: For the prize, you have to think about something else cause I'm kind of allergic to exotic fruits.

[sania]

No..I have not changed my mind about the prize, Mom!

You are allergic to exotic fruits..? How sad.

Ok.. I will think of something else.

Nobody else is posting any recipe
What happened..all are tired..?

Cheer-up women& celebrate being an Algerian!