time4cooking.com
A Traditional Algerian Dish
Algerian Berkoukes Soup is a traditional Algerian dish that has been enjoyed by many generations. It is a hearty and flavourful dish that can be made in many different ways depending on the region and the cook. The dish is typically made with small balls of pasta that are boiled and then combined with a rich tomato-based sauce, vegetables, and meat.
Making the Algerian Berkoukes
To begin the dish, mix semolina flour with water and shape the dough into small balls. Leave the balls to dry in the sun before boiling them in salted water until they turn tender. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce by sautéing onions, garlic, and spices in olive oil. Add diced tomatoes and tomato
paste, then let the mixture simmer for several hours to develop a rich, complex flavor.
Once the pasta and sauce are ready, combine them in a large pot with vegetables like carrots, turnips, and chickpeas. You can also add lamb or beef to boost the flavor and add protein. Simmer the mixture until all the ingredients become tender and the flavors blend together.
Serve Hot and Garnish With Fresh Herbs
Serve Algerian Berkoukes Soup hot and top it with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. This hearty, satisfying dish offers warmth and comfort, making it perfect for cold winter nights or gatherings with family and friends. Many Algerians cherish memories of sharing this meal with loved ones, keeping it an important part of the country’s culinary tradition.
How to Make the Algerian Berkoukes
Ingredients:
2 or more chicken pieces (any)
1 cup Berkoukes pasta ( petits plombs)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight, washed and rinsed
1 medium tomato, grated
1 medium onion, minced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 medium potato, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pumpkin piece, diced(about 1 cup)
2 medium carrots, diced
2 hot peppers (any type), optional
1/4 bunch cilantro
1/4 bunch parsley
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp Ras Al Hanout
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ginger powder
Salt to taste
For the end of cooking (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Put olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, chicken pieces, cilantro, parsley, tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, ginger and Ras Al Hanout
- Add chickpeas and let cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the grated tomato and all the vegetables (potato, carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, hot peppers (optional) and let cook for a good 10 minutes.
- Pour hot water (or boiled water) to cover the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and let cook for about 30 minutes or until everything is cooked.
- Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the sauce. Take out the cilantro and parsley and discard them.
- Debon the chicken and shred it. Set aside.
- Soak the Berkoukes pasta in hot water for 5 minutes.
- Rinse the pasta and drain it.
- Add the pasta to the sauce and add the shredded chicken.
- Mix and let cook covered for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning, add salt if needed.
- Add coriander powder, minced garlic and cilantro, let boil for 2 minutes then turn off the heat and serve.
Recipe Notes:
Use any vegetable that you like in this soup.
You can make the dish vegetarian without adding any meat.
Also you can use your favourite spices in this dish.
