Chakhchoukha

Chakhchoukhaorchekhechoukha(Arabic:شخشوخة) is a traditionalAlgerian dishmade from torn or rolled pieces of cooked semolina dough that are served in a tomato-based sauce. The dish consists of small pieces ofrougag(thin roundflatbread) mixed withmarqa, a tomato stew.The dish is typically made by boiling the semolina dough in salted water until it is cooked and then rolling it into small balls or tearing it into bite-sized pieces.
The tomato-based sauce for chakhchoukha is typically made from a mixture of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices such as cumin, paprika, and harissa. The semolina dough is then added to the sauce and simmered until it has absorbed the flavors of the sauce and has softened slightly.
Chakhchoukha is often served with meat, such as lamb or beef, which is cooked separately and then added to the dish along with chickpeas or other vegetables such as carrots or turnips.The dish is typically garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro and served with bread on the side.
Chakhchoukha dfer and chakhchoukha beskria are two different types of chakhchoukha that are popular in Algerian cuisine, especially in Eastern AlgeriaHere are the main differences between them:
Chakhchoukhet dfer:This type of chakhchoukha is made with pieces of broken-up baked bread, rather than semolina dough. The bread is soaked in a tomato-based sauce that is flavored with spices, butter and herbs. The dish is often served with meat, such as lamb or beef, and sometimes includes vegetables such as chickpeas and carrots. This chakhchoukha is typical of the region ofConstantine.
Chakhchoukha biskria:This chakhchoukha is typically made by tearing or cutting small pieces of thin, round flatbread and serving them in a fragrant meat sauce that has been cooked with chickpeas and vegetables. While lamb is the preferred meat in this dish, beef or chicken can also be used. This chakhchoukha is typical of the region ofBiskra.
Chakhchoukha is an originallyChaouiculinary specialty that has now extended to other parts ofAlgeria. The wordchakhchoukhacomes fromtacherchert, "crumbing" or "tearing into small pieces" in theChaouia language.
Chakhchoukha is enjoyed on various occasions, especially duringMouloud,Achoura, and the Amazigh New Year called "Yennayer." This celebration includes two parts: the eve, known as "Laadjouza", where dried foods are eaten to mark the end of the previous year, and the following day, the start of the new year, when dishes with sauce are enjoyed, with each region having its own variations of vegetables and eggs.
Therougagor flat bread is made with finesemolinaand, after baking, is torn by hand into small pieces.
When eating in individual plates, about two handfuls are put in the plate and then the sauce or stew is poured on top.
Themarqaor stew consists of dicedlambcooked with spices,tomatoes, choppedonionsandchick peas. Oftenpotatoes,zucchini,carrotsandgreen peppersare added to the mixture depending on the season, the area and the family.
The main spices used for the stew are driedred chillies,caraway,ras el hanout,black pepperandcumin.
There is a variant of this dish inBatnaand nearby towns, likeBarika,M'SilaandBiskra, that uses a different type of bread.