Best Berber Recipes

ALGERIAN BOUZGENE BERBER BREAD WITH ROASTED PEPPER SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat your oven's broiler. Place red bell peppers and tomatoes on a baking sheet, and roast under the broiler for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally. This should blacken the skin and help it peel off more easily. Cool, then scrape the skins off of the tomatoes and peppers, and place them in a large bowl. Remove cores and seeds from the bell peppers.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the jalapenos and garlic, and cook until tender, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, and transfer the garlic and jalapeno to the bowl with the tomatoes and red peppers. Using two sharp steak knives (one in each hand), cut up the tomatoes and peppers to a coarse and soupy consistency. Stir, and set sauce aside.
• Place the semolina in a large bowl, and stir in salt and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Gradually add water while mixing and squeezing with your hand until the dough holds together without being sticky or dry, and molds easily with the hand. Divide into 6 pieces and form into balls.
• For each round, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Roll out dough one round at a time, to no thicker than 1/4 inch. Fry in the hot skillet until dark brown spots appear on the surface, and they are crispy. Remove from the skillet, and wrap in a clean towel while preparing the remaining flat breads.
• To eat the bread and sauce, break off pieces of the bread, and scoop them into the sauce. It will slide off, but just keep reaching in!

BERBER-SPICED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients except the chicken and lemon wedges and process to a paste. Spread the paste all over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
• Light a charcoal grill. When the coals are hot, move them to one side of the grill to create a high-heat zone. Oil the grate and place the chicken on it, skin side up, opposite the coals. Cover and grill the chicken until browned and just cooked through, about 30 minutes. Turn the breasts over and grill over high heat until the skin is crisp and lightly charred, about 2 minutes longer. Let the breasts rest for 5 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges.

BERBER BREAD

Steps:

• In the container of a blender or food processor, combine the flour and salt. Pulse to blend. Add the oil and hot water, and blend until it stops sticking to the sides. Remove from the container, and cut into 4 pieces.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until fairly thin. Let it rest for a minute if it is difficult to roll. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and spray with a light coating of cooking spray. Fry one piece at a time until the surface begins to bubble. Flip over, and fry until it has brown spots on the other side. Cut each piece into quarters to serve.

BERBER CARROTS

Steps:

• Heat a dry frying pan until hot, add the coriander and caraway seeds and cook for 1 minute, shaking the pan from time to time, until fragrant.
• Transfer the spices to a plate and allow to cool then crush to a powder using a mortar and pestle.
• Heat the oil in the frying pan, add the carrots and sauté gently for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned all over.
• Add the ground spices and cook, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
• Add the vinegar and salt and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes, stirring from time to time , until the carrots are tender. Serve hot or at room temperature.

BOUZGENE BERBER BREAD & ROASTED PEPPER DIP - ALGERIAN

Steps:

• Preheat your oven's grill / broiler. Place red bell peppers and tomatoes on a baking sheet, and roast under the grill / broiler for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally. This should blacken the skin and help it peel off more easily.
• Cool, then scrape the skins off & discard, then place in a large bowl. Remove cores and seeds from the peppers.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chili and garlic, and cook until tender, stirring frequently.
• Remove from heat & add the garlic and chili to the bowl with the tomatoes and red peppers.
• Chop (or pulse in a food processor) the tomatoes and peppers to a coarse and soupy consistency. Stir, and set sauce aside.
• Place the semolina in a large bowl, and stir in salt and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Gradually add water while mixing and squeezing with your hand until the dough holds together without being dry - but be careful not to get it sticky, and molds easily with the hand. Divide into 6 pieces and form into balls.
• For each round, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Roll out dough one round at a time, to no thicker than 1/4 inch. Fry in the hot skillet until dark brown spots appear on the surface, and they are crispy. Remove from the skillet, and wrap in a clean towel while preparing the remaining flat breads.
• Serve whilst still warm for a real treat!

BERBER SOFT BREAD

Steps:

• Mix flour and salt in processor. Add 1 cup hot water and 4 tablespoons oil; blend until ball forms. Remove dough from processor. Using oiled hands, divide dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece on lightly floured surface into 9-inch round about 1/4 inch thick. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in medium (10-inch-diameter) nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 dough round to skillet; reduce heat to medium-low and cook until golden on bottom, about 5 minutes. Turn bread over; cook until golden on bottom and bread is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer bread to plate. Tent with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and dough. Break warm bread into pieces, drizzle with honey, and serve.

BERBER SPICED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Chicken Chef Recipes Made Easy F&W Staff Favorite Grilled Chicken Recipes MORE ∨ 3 garlic cloves, quartered 1 small onion, coarsely chopped One 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped 3 tablespoons sweet paprika 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Four chicken breast halves on the bone with skin (2 pounds) Lemon wedges, for serving In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients except the chicken and lemon wedges and process to a paste. Spread the paste all over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. Light a charcoal grill. When the coals are hot, move them to one side of the grill to create a high-heat zone. Oil the grate and place the chicken on it, skin side up, opposite the coals. Cover and grill the chicken until browned and just cooked through, about 30 minutes. Turn the breasts over and grill over high heat until the skin is crisp and lightly charred, about 2 minutes longer. Let the breasts rest for 5 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges. SUGGESTED PAIRING Mediterranean reds often have a spicy note that pairs well with the North African spices on this chicken. North African wines are ideal, but hard to find; instead, look for reds from the Jumilla region in Spain. FROM RECIPE OF THE DAY MAY 2010 ARCHIVE, MEMORIAL DAY COOKOUT, PAIRING OF THE DAY: FEBRUARY 2008, 10 EASY WAYS TO MASTER THE GRILL PUBLISHED JUNE 2007

BERBER COUSCOUS WITH SEVEN VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Put the couscous in a wide oven dish so that the grains are not squashed on top of each other. Gradually add the warm salted water, stirring all the time so that it is absorbed evenly. Keep fluffing up the grain with a fork and breaking up any lumps (as the grains stick together). After about 10-15 minutes, when the grain is plump and tender, mix in the vegetable oil and rub the grain between your hands above the bowl, to air it and break up any lumps. Put the meats in a large pan with the onions and the drained chickpeas. If you are using canned ones, leave them out now and put them in towards the end of the cooking. Cover with about 3 quarts water, add the oil, pepper and saffron, and simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Add salt, the tomatoes, carrots and turnips, and cook for 1/2 hour more, or until the meats are very tender. Add the remaining ingredients except the harissa and more water--you need to have plenty of broth--and cook a further 1/2 hour. Make a hot, peppery sauce to accompany. Take 3 ladles of broth from the stew and stir in the harissa or 2 tablespoons paprika and 1 teaspoon ground chili pepper, or more to taste--enough to make it very strong and fiery. Put the couscous, uncovered, in a preheated 400 degree F. oven and heat through for 15-20 minutes, until very hot. To serve, pile the couscous onto a large round dish. Add butter or more oil and work it into the grain as it melts. Shape it into a mound with a pit or crater at the top. Arrange the meat at the top and the vegetables down the sides, and pour a little broth all over. Serve the broth in a separate bowl. Pass the broth and the hot, peppery sauce round for people to help themselves. A French way of serving is to present the couscous separately, and the meat and vegetables with the broth in a large bowl.

BERBER VEGETABLE TAGINE

Steps:

• NOTE: Don't use all the vegetables. Recipe will fill both tajines
• Clean and prepare all vegetables
• Onion - Finely chop
• Tomato - Dice with the skin
• Carrot - Peel and cut into quarters
• Turnip - Peel and cut into quarters
• Potato - Peel and cut into quarters
• Zucchini - Trim ends and cut into quarters
• Red bell pepper - trim ends, seed, and slice into medium strips
• Green beans - trip ends and cut into medium strips
• Prepare marinade - combine all the marinade ingredients EXCEPT THE OIL in bowl and mix well
• Place chopped onion and tomato in tagine
• Arrange vegetables in tagine, starting with vegetables that take the longest to cook (carrot, turnip, potato) leaving at the top the ones that take less time to cook (zucchini, cauliflower, red bell pepper, green beans and green peas).
• Pour the spice marinade over the vegetables
• Drizzle oil at the end
• Cover the tagine and cook on medium heat for 45 minutes. From time to time check on the vegetables to make sure that there is enough liquid in the tagine. Add water if necessary.
• Serve with bread

BERBER SPICE ROASTED CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• If using Dried Chickpeas: Put rinsed chickpeas in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Let sit overnight or at least eight hours. (Note: I use a crock pot to cook the beans overnight.).
• Drain, rinse and add water to cover by 2 inches. Add salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a good simmer and allow to cook for about 45 minutes or until tender. They should be cooked through but not mushy.
• Drain well and lay on a baking sheet or a kitchen towel to dry.
• Canned Chickpeas: Rinse well and set aside to dry.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place chickpeas on the baking sheet and drizzle with oil and the berber spice mix. Shake pan to roll chickpeas to distribute the oil and spices. The beans should be all in an even single layer.
• Bake for about 30 minutes, shaking pan every 10 minutes or so to move the chickpeas around. When done, the garbanzo beans should be slightly crunchy on the outside but still soft inside.

BERBER-SPICED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients except the chicken and lemon wedges and process to a paste. Spread the paste all over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. Light a charcoal grill. When the coals are hot, move them to one side of the grill to create a high-heat zone. Oil the grate and place the chicken on it, skin side up, opposite the coals. Cover and grill the chicken until browned and just cooked through, about 30 minutes. Turn the breasts over and grill over high heat until the skin is crisp and lightly charred, about 2 minutes longer. Let the breasts rest for 5 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges.

BERBER CHICKEN

Steps:

• Remove giblets from chicken. Wash chicken and pat dry.
• In a bowl, combine all the ingredients. Place the chicken in a plastic bag, add the marinade and make sure the marinade penetrates underneath the skin and inside cavity. Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
• Remove chicken from the marinade. Place in a rotisserie and cook according to manufacturer's instructions, or roast in 350F oven for 15 minutes a pound, or until cooked thoroughly.
• From Margarita's International Recipes.

BERBER TAGINE OMELETTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 180ºC.
• Heat your tagine on the stove and add some olive oil with the onion and cook slowly for about 5 minutes, add the spices and cook for a further 3 minutes, this releases the flavours.
• Add the tomatoes and coriander then simmer for about 10-15 minutes, make sure you stir occasionally and reduce to a sauce consistency.
• Remove from the heat and pour the beaten eggs over the sauce, cover with the tagine lid and place in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until it lightly puffs and sets.
• To serve, season well and drizzle with a little olive oil.

MOROCCAN BERBER SKILLET BREAD

Steps:

• 1. For starter: In a glass or ceramic bowl, combine 2/3 cup semolina flour with the all-purpose flour. Gradually stir in 3/4 cup water to make a wet dough. Mix in garlic, cover, wrap in a towel and leave in a warm place, like an unheated oven, for a day. 2. Uncover the starter, add 1/4 cup water and the remaining 1/2 cup semolina flour, and mix. Cover, wrap in a towel, and leave for 12 to 24 hours. The starter will get a crusty top and blossom underneath. Scoop out 1/2 cup starter and discard the rest, including garlic cloves. 3. Make the bread: In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine extra-fine semolina flour, the 1/2 cup of starter, the yeast and salt. Pulse once or twice. Add 1 cup warm water and process for 15 to 20 seconds to knead. Let rest 10 minutes. Pulsing food processor, trickle in another 1/4 cup water. Sprinkle a work surface with flour and turn dough onto it. Cover with an upside-down bowl for 10 minutes. Cut 4 1-foot squares of waxed or parchment paper and sprinkle with flour. Divide dough in four and put each piece on a piece of a floured paper, turning to coat. Press each into an 8-inch circle. Cover with kitchen towels and let rise 1 hour. 4. When ready to cook, gently flatten each disk, then prick the tops all over with a fork. Heat an 8- or 10-inch nonstick skillet or griddle (or two, if you have them) over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the pan's surface with flour, then pick up a dough round and flip it into the pan, paper side up. Peel off the paper and adjust the heat so that the bread sizzles gently. When it is browned and blistered on the bottom, about 5 minutes, flip the bread out onto a plate, then slide it back into the pan to cook the other side. Cook about 2 minutes, shaking the skillet often to prevent sticking. When browned, firm and fragrant, slide onto a platter and serve immediately, or cover with a towel to keep warm while you cook the remaining breads.