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Authentic Algerian Mahjouba Recipe for 2026
Rebiai min eat

Authentic Algerian Mahjouba Recipe

traditional, flaky Algerian flatbread stuffed with a savory, spicy tomato and onion filling. A beloved North African street food staple.
مدة الإعداد 40 دقائق
مدة الطبخ 20 دقائق
1 ساعة
الحصص: 6 أشخاص
وجبة: main course
مطبخ: algerian
الكالوري: 280

المقادير
  

Group 1: The Dough (مكونات العجينة) 3 cups Fine Semolina (سميد ناعم) 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (فرينة) 1 tsp Salt (ملح) Warm water (as needed for kneading) (ماء دافئ للمّ العجينة) Vegetable oil (for shaping and cooking) (زيت نباتي)

Group 2: The Spicy Filling (مكونات الحشوة/التكتوكة) 3 large Onions, finely sliced (بصل مفروم) 3 ripe Tomatoes, chopped (طماطم مرحية) 3 cloves Garlic, minced (ثوم) 1 tbsp Tomato paste (طماطم مصبرة) 1 tsp Harissa or chili flakes (optional for spice) (هريسة) 1 tsp Paprika (فلفل عكري) Salt and Black pepper to taste (ملح وفلفل أسود) 2 tbsp Olive oil (زيت زيتون)

Method
 

Step 1 (The Filling): Heat olive oil in a pan, add sliced onions and garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent. Step 2: Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, harissa, salt, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens and no liquid remains. Let it cool completely. Step 3 (The Dough): In a large bowl, mix semolina, flour, and salt. Gradually add warm water and knead thoroughly for 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and soft. Step 4: Divide the dough into small, smooth balls. Coat them with vegetable oil, place them on a tray, cover, and let them rest for 20 minutes. Step 5 (Shaping): Grease your work surface with oil. Take a dough ball and flatten it using your oiled hands, stretching it carefully until it becomes very thin and translucent. Step 6: Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the center of the dough. Fold the sides inward to form a square packet, ensuring the filling is sealed. Step 7 (Cooking): Heat a heavy skillet or tajine over medium heat. Place the Mahjouba on the hot surface and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden-brown and crispy. Serve warm.

    ملاحظات

     
    Resting is Key: Always let the dough balls rest for at least 20 minutes before shaping. This relaxes the gluten, making it much easier to stretch the dough thinly without tearing.
    Cool the Filling: Ensure the onion and tomato filling (Tchouktchouka) is completely cooled to room temperature before placing it on the dough. If it's hot, it will tear the thin dough layers.
    Spice Level: True Algerian Mahjouba is known for its kick! Feel free to adjust the amount of Harissa or add finely chopped green chilies to the filling according to your preference.
    Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on a dry, hot skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side to regain that crispy texture.