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A Traditional Tunisian Salad
Houria, a traditional Tunisian salad, celebrates the simple yet vibrant flavours of North African cuisine. This dish features cooked carrots as its main ingredient and brings together fresh, spicy, and tangy elements that reflect Tunisia’s rich culinary heritage. The name Houria, which means “freedom” in Arabic, suits the salad perfectly—it invites creativity with ingredients and seasonings, offering a versatile dish you can easily adapt to your own taste.
Garnished with Olives and Capers
Cooks often garnish Houria with olives, capers, or chopped parsley to add vibrant colour and a burst of fresh flavour. Many variations include extra vegetables like tomatoes or bell peppers, which boost both the complexity and nutritional value of the
dish. You can adjust the amount of harissa to match your spice preference, turning Houria into either a mildly flavourful salad or a bold, spicy treat that tingles the tongue.
Served as a Starter or a Side Dish
People typically serve Houria as a starter or a side dish, often pairing it with warm, crusty bread. Its vibrant orange colour and bold mix of flavours create a visually appealing and delicious addition to any meal. You can enjoy this salad warm or cold, which makes it perfect for different seasons and occasions.
In Tunisian culture, Houria represents more than just a salad—it reflects the country’s talent for transforming simple, humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you include it in a traditional meal or a modern spread, Houria captures the heart of Tunisian cuisine: bold, flavourful, and deeply connected to its roots.
Here’s a simple recipe for making Houria, the traditional Tunisian carrot salad
Ingredients:
4 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-2 teaspoons harissa paste (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Black olives or capers (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Carrots: Place the chopped carrots in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Drain the carrots and let them cool slightly.
Mash or Chop the Carrots: Once cooled, you can either mash the carrots with a fork or potato masher for a smoother texture or finely chop them for a chunkier salad.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, harissa paste, cumin, coriander, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amount of harissa according to your spice preference.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the mashed or chopped carrots. Stir well to ensure the carrots are evenly coated with the dressing.
Garnish: Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley, and add black olives or capers if desired.
Serve:
Houria can be served warm or chilled. It pairs well with crusty bread and can be enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer.
Tips:
Adjust Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount of harissa and gradually add more until you reach your preferred level of heat.
Make Ahead: Houria can be made a day in advance. The flavours meld together beautifully when it sits for a while.
Enjoy this flavourful and vibrant Tunisian salad as part of your meal!
