It is a versatile starch that goes equally well with meat, fish, vegetables, or sweet dishes.
Rice is also a popular staple, and chickpea-cakes make a cheap and tasty accompaniment for food.
Pizza, fried chicken, and potato fries are popular among younger Algerians. Traditional Algerian food shows the historic influences of Berber, Arab, Turkish, and French tastes. It can be mild or very spicy and many flavourings are used, including cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, mint, and fennel. Stews like shakshuka , with vegetables, and tajine , with lamb or chicken, are popular everyday dishes. Meat dishes are often prepared with some of the many different fruits grown in fertile parts of Algeria.