Traditional Mechouia: Tunisian Grilled Vegetable Salad

🖨️ Print the recipe

What is Tunisian Mechouia?

Tunisian Mechouia , also known as "Slata Mechouia" , "Slada Mechouiya" , or simply "Méchouia" , is a traditional salad that occupies a special place in Tunisian cuisine. This dish is distinguished by its unique preparation of finely chopped grilled vegetables, seasoned with spices.

Origins and History

Mechouia has its roots in Tunisia’s rich culinary tradition. It is often prepared on special occasions and family occasions. Its name, “mechouia,” means “grilled” in Arabic, referring to the original method of preparing the vegetables.

Regional Variants

Although the most well-known version is the Tunisian Mechouia, there are several regional variations of this salad. Some recipes include additional ingredients such as eggplant or zucchini. Additionally, adding canned tuna or hard-boiled eggs as a garnish is common, adding richness and texture to the salad.

Different Names

In Tunisia, Mechouia is often called "Slata Mechouia" or "Slada Mechouiya" . These name variations reflect regional and family differences in the preparation of this dish.

The Karouia Table

One of the key ingredients that can replace ground caraway and coriander in Mechouia is Tabel Karouia , a Tunisian spice blend. This blend is composed primarily of caraway seeds, coriander, and sometimes dried garlic and chili peppers. Tabel Karouia gives Mechouia an authentic, typically Tunisian flavor. It is often compared to curry in India, as there are almost as many variations of tabel as there are Tunisian families. In Quebec, Tabel Karouia can be found in grocery stores specializing in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern products, as well as in some delicatessens.

Cultural Importance

Mechouia is not just a salad, but a symbol of conviviality and sharing in Tunisian culture. It is often served as a starter or side dish during festive meals, highlighting the richness of flavors and the diversity of local ingredients.

Tunisian Mechouia is a must-try salad that reflects the authenticity and generosity of Tunisian cuisine. With its many variations and different names, it remains a versatile dish that is appreciated by all.

Summary
🔍 Information	Details
⏱️ Preparation time	30 minutes
🍳 Cooking time	20-30 minutes
⏲️ Total time	50-60 minutes
🔧 Difficulty level	Easy
🍽️ Portions	4-6
🔥 Calories (approximate)	150 per serving

Tunisian Mechouia

Ingredients
4 green or red peppers 3 ripe tomatoes 2 onions 2 chili peppers (more or less depending on your heat tolerance) 3 cloves of garlic 3 tablespoons olive oil The juice of a lemon 1 teaspoon ground caraway 1 teaspoon ground coriander Salt and pepper to taste Black olives and hard-boiled eggs for garnish (optional) Canned tuna for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preparation of vegetables: Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F) or prepare your barbecue for medium-high heat. Wash the peppers, tomatoes, onions and chili peppers. For baking: Place whole peppers, tomatoes, onions and chilies on a baking sheet. For barbecue cooking: Place vegetables directly on the barbecue grill. Cooking vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the oven for about 20 to 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is nicely blackened and blistered. Grill the vegetables on the barbecue for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning regularly, until the skin is nicely blackened and blistered. Peeling vegetables: Remove the vegetables from the oven or barbecue and place them in a plastic bag or cover them with a damp tea towel for a few minutes to make peeling easier. Peel the peppers, tomatoes, onions and chili peppers. Remove the seeds from the peppers and chili peppers. Chopping vegetables: Finely chop the peppers, tomatoes, onions, chilies and garlic. You can also use a food processor to get a smoother texture. Seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with the olive oil, lemon juice, caraway, cilantro, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Rest : Let the mechouia sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend well. Service : Serve the mechouia cold or at room temperature, garnished with black olives, quartered hard-boiled eggs, and canned tuna if desired. You can also accompany it with fresh bread or pita bread.

Enjoy your food !

Questions and Answers on Tunisian Mechouia

What is the best way to serve Tunisian Mechouia?

Tunisian Mechouia is usually served cold or at room temperature. It can be presented as a starter or as an accompaniment to main dishes. It is often accompanied by fresh bread, pita bread or baguette to fully enjoy the salad.

Can we prepare Mechouia in advance?

Yes, Mechouia can be prepared in advance. In fact, it gains more flavor when it rests in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight. This allows the spices and flavors of the vegetables to blend well.

What are the nutritional benefits of Mechouia?

Mechouia is a salad rich in vitamins and antioxidants thanks to the grilled vegetables it contains, such as peppers, tomatoes and chili peppers. It is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy and nutritious option.

Can we vary the spices in Mechouia?

Absolutely! Although caraway, coriander and Tabel Karouia are traditional spices, you can adjust the spices according to your personal preferences. Some people add cumin, paprika or even dried herbs to vary the flavors.

How to preserve Mechouia?

Mechouia can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cover it well to preserve its freshness and flavors.

Is it possible to freeze Mechouia?

It is best not to freeze Mechouia, as the texture of the vegetables may be altered when defrosted. The salad is best when eaten fresh or after a short rest in the refrigerator.

Is Mechouia spicy?

The level of spiciness of the Mechouia depends on the amount of chili peppers used. You can adjust the amount of chili peppers to make the salad more or less spicy according to your taste. The chili peppers can also be replaced with sweet peppers if you prefer a less spicy version.