What is Mouskoutchou? Also called Mouskoutchou. Mouskoutchou is the most popular cake in Algeria. If you ask anyone, they immediately know about what you are talking about. This cake is a between a Sponge Cake and and Génoise Cake, and is usually the first sweet treat you learn how to make in Algeria. Very simple to…
Month: May 2020
Algerian Tcharek Msaker, Algerian Gazelle Horns
Yesterday was the first day of Eid celebrations for muslims around the world, marking the end of the month of Ramadan. During Eid, we prepare some sweets that we share with our families, friends and neighbors. We also buy new clothes for children and give them money, whilst women put henna on their hands. This year,…
Almond paste stuffed dates
Almond paste stuffed dates are a very popular sweet treat in Algeria, usually served in small saucers or into a large copper tray. They are made with the famous Algerian dates called Deglet Nour, which grows in abundance in Algeria and especially in Biskra, located in north east of Algeria and famous for its palm grove. They are…
Algerian Chtitha Djedj
Today I made an inviting Algerian dish called Chtitha Djedj, always served during the month of Ramadan. A simple and tasteful dish made with chicken and chickpeas; and strongly flavored with garlic. Djedj means in chicken in Arabic. Chtitha is related to the world chtih, which in Arabic means dance. The anecdote behind this is that this dish…
Algerian Bourek
Bourek is a delicious Algerian starter served during Ramadan to accompany the traditional chorba (soup). Boureks are stuffed with onion, meat, parsley and eggs. The origin of the name comes from Turkish, and this delicious starter is the signature of the city of Algiers. The name, as well as the filling options, vary from country…
Algerian Mchewek
Mchewek are an old Algerian pastry, similar to the French Petits Fours served with coffee or tea. These delicious and pleasant delicatessen are made with almond paste, then rolled into almond flakes. Simple to make and extremely delicate “en bouche”. Mchewek in Arabic means thorny! Ingredients: 300g of almond powder 100g of caster sugar 1/2 spoon…
Chorba Lsen Tir, Chorba Lsen Asfour
Chorba L’sen Tir, is a spicy Algerian soup made with orzo pasta. It is very rich and healthy, and is often served during Ramadan to break the fast. There are many varieties of soups served during Ramadan but this one is my favorite. This soup is piquant, peppery and delicious. Chorba means soup in Arabic and…
Algerian Brioche, Chrik
Chrik are individual small brioche buns from the northeastern Algerian city of Constantine (also called Kasentina). Chrik are always served during the month of Ramadan to accompany M’halbi, a refreshing creamy custard (see previous post). These milk brioche are fluffy, pillowy and perfumed with orange blossom water. Ingredients: 500g of flour (all purpose flour/plain flour) Zest…
Algerian Khobz el Bey
Khobz el Bey, also called Khobz Tounès, is a moist and aromatic Algerian sweet pastry served during Ramadan to accompany tea or coffee. This simple cake is made with ground almonds, ground breadcrumbs, eggs and butter, and is baked in the oven then soaked with a perfumed syrup! This cake is also a part of our…
Cocas
Cocas, are a savory pastry imported by the Europeans living in Algeria during the French colonization (1830-1962) in Algeria. They are similar to the Spanish Empanadas and they are made with a basic dough and filled with peppers, tomatoes, garlic and spices. They can also sometimes be filled with meat and onions and prepared with a…
Petite Panière 