Description
Mechouia Salad is a traditional Tunisian dish primarily made from roasted vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and onions. The roasted vegetables are finely chopped and combined with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, olive oil, and lemon juice, giving the salad its unique flavor profile. Some variations may also include hard-boiled eggs and olives, which enhance the texture and add a rich, savory note to the salad.
Ingredients
-
2 large tomatoes
-
2 green bell peppers
-
2 red bell peppers
-
1 small eggplant
-
1 onion
-
3 cloves garlic, unpeeled
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 teaspoon ground cumin
-
1 teaspoon ground coriander
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Juice of 1 lemon
-
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
-
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional)
-
Black olives for garnish
Instructions
1. Roast the Vegetables
-
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Prepare the Vegetables: Place the tomatoes, green and red bell peppers, eggplant, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Make sure the vegetables are evenly spread out so they roast evenly.
-
Roast the Vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until their skins are blistered, and the vegetables are tender. You want to achieve a nice smoky flavor, so don’t worry if some of the skins blacken slightly.
2. Peel and Chop the Vegetables
-
Cool the Vegetables: After roasting, allow the vegetables to cool slightly before handling them.
-
Peel the Vegetables: Peel the skins off the tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplant. The skins should come off easily after roasting. Remove the seeds from the peppers.
-
Chop the Vegetables: Once peeled, finely chop all the roasted vegetables, including the garlic cloves. The finer the chop, the better the texture of the salad.
3. Mix the Salad
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped roasted vegetables with olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Garnish the Salad
-
Add the Final Touches: Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, hard-boiled egg slices (optional), and black olives for extra color and flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy
-
Serve Cold: Mechouia Salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or as a standalone appetizer.
Enjoy this delicious and refreshing salad, and don’t be afraid to adjust the spices and seasonings to match your personal taste!
Notes
Mechouia Salad is incredibly versatile—serve it warm or chilled, as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a light main. For added protein, top with canned tuna, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or crumbled feta. A drizzle of harissa or lemon juice can enhance its bold, smoky flavor even more!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tunisian
Keywords: Mechouia Salad