Traditional Algerian Rechta Noodles Family Recipe
Experience the comforting flavors of North Africa with this **Traditional Algerian Rechta Noodles Family Recipe**, a beloved dish perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Delicate rechta noodles, either hand-cut or store-bought, are expertly steamed to achieve a light, fluffy texture and served alongside tender chicken, hearty chickpeas, and a medley of chunky vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and turnip. Infused with warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, the rich, savory broth ties everything together beautifully. This recipe is a celebration of Algeria's culinary heritage, highlighting traditional cooking techniques like steaming rechta in a couscoussier. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish is served family-style, making it as much about sharing as it is about savoring. Bring a taste of Algeria to your table with this soul-warming, flavorful classic!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 g Rechta noodles (fresh, hand-cut or store-bought)
- 1 kg Chicken (whole or cut into pieces)
- 2 medium Onions (finely chopped)
- 3 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 medium Zucchini (cut into large chunks)
- 3 medium Carrots (cut into large chunks)
- 1 medium Turnip (cut into large chunks)
- 200 g Chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 50 g Butter
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Rechta spices (or use a mix of cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper)
- 1.5 liters Water
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them lightly on all sides.
Season with salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and rechta spices. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.
Add the soaked chickpeas and pour enough water to cover the chicken and chickpeas (about 1.5 liters). Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, occasionally skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.
Meanwhile, prepare the rechta noodles by steaming them in a double boiler or couscoussier pot. Place the noodles in the top steamer section and let them steam for 15-20 minutes.
Remove the noodles, sprinkle them with a little water and a pinch of salt, and gently fluff them with a fork or your hands. Repeat the steaming process one more time for an even texture.
After 45 minutes of simmering the chicken, add the chopped carrots, zucchini, and turnip to the pot. Simmer for an additional 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Check for seasoning in the sauce and adjust as necessary.
To serve, spread the steamed rechta noodles on a large serving platter. Drizzle a ladle of the white sauce over the noodles to moisten them.
Place the chicken and vegetables on top or around the noodles and garnish with additional sauce.
Serve warm and enjoy this traditional Algerian family dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4049 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 175.1 g | 224% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.2 g | 286% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 934 mg | 311% | |
| Sodium | 5171 mg | 225% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 264.9 g | 96% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.9 g | 146% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.2 g | ||
| Protein | 347.6 g | 695% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.6 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 701 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 26.3 mg | 146% | |
| Potassium | 5473 mg | 116% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
