Rechta

Rechta (Arabic: رشتة) is a dish made from pasta cut into thin fresh artisan strips, typical of (Algeria).[1][2][3] It is in particular the symbolic dish of Algiers cuisine.[4][5][6]

Rechta
Traditional Algerian rechta with chicken and vegetables in Algiers, Algeria.
Alternative namesTarechta
CourseMain course
Place of originAlgiers in Algeria,
Serving temperatureHot
VariationsAlgerian rechta

Etymology

The word comes from the Persian rista, meaning "thread" and commonly used to refer to pasta.[7]

The word rechta is berberized to tarechta, still commonly used in Oran and Tlemcen in Algeria, the word comes from the root rkt or rcht.[8]

Variants

Algeria

Rechta is a popular pasta dish in Algeria, and is particularly beloved in the cities of Algiers and Constantine, where it is considered a specialty.[9][10]

In Algiers, rechta is typically served with a meat and vegetable sauce that is seasoned with a variety of spices. The sauce may contain chickpeas, potatoes, and other vegetables. Some versions of the dish include a roux made from flour and oil, which is used to thicken the sauce and give it a smooth texture. The pasta itself is typically made from a combination of semolina flour and water, and is rolled out into long, flat noodles that are cut into strips.[11]

In Constantine, rechta is often served with a tomato-based sauce that includes a variety of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and green peppers. The sauce may also contain meat or poultry, such as chicken or lamb, and is typically flavored with herbs like parsley and cilantro. Some versions of the dish may also include chickpeas or other legumes. The pasta used in Constantine is similar to that used in Algiers, and is also made from semolina flour and water.[12][13]

In both cities, rechta is considered a festive dish that is often served at special occasions like weddings and religious holidays.

Algerian chicken and vegetable rechta with red sauce

Tunisia
Algerian Rechta

In Tunisia, rechta is also consumed in Bizerte, but it is typically served in a soup or stew. The pasta is often prepared in a similar way to Algerian rechta, but it is cut into shorter lengths and may be a bit wider. particularly rechta jerya or rechta njara.[14]

References
  1. Bouayed, Fatima-Zohra (1970). La cuisine algérienne (in French). Paris: Messidor/Temps actuels. p. 223.
  2. Taïeb, Jacques (2013-05-13). Etre juif au Maghreb à la veille de la colonisation (in French). Albin Michel. ISBN 978-2-226-20115-7.
  3. Boumedine, Rachid Sidi (2001). ""Alger telle qu'en elle-même"". La Pensee de Midi. ISSN 1621-5338.
  4. Cherifi, Nouara (2019-11-27). Cuisine de Maman: Mouton d'Aïd. Le Lys Bleu Éditions. ISBN 979-10-377-0315-6.
  5. Zouari, Ilyes (2015-04-01). Petit dictionnaire du Monde francophone: Tout ce qu'il faut savoir sur les 45 pays et territoires francophones (in French). Editions L'Harmattan. ISBN 978-2-336-37395-9.
  6. Auzias, Dominique; Labourdette, Jean-Paul (2019-05-09). ALGER 2019/2020 Petit Futé (in French). Petit Futé. ISBN 978-2-305-00954-4.
  7. Rosenberger, Bernard (1989). "Les pâtes dans le monde musulman". Médiévales. 8 (16): 77–98. doi:10.3406/medi.1989.1138.
  8. "Infosoir.com, Quotidien national du soir". 2014-02-21. Archived from the original on 2014-02-21. Retrieved 2022-06-04.
  9. Collectif; Auzias, Dominique; Labourdette, Jean-Paul (2012-07-12). Alger 2012-2013 (avec cartes, photos + avis des lecteurs) (in French). Petit Futé. ISBN 978-2-7469-5576-9.
  10. "La spéculation mine l'Aïd El Fitr". Le Maghreb.
  11. Bouksani, Louisa (1989). Gastronomie Algérienne. Alger, Ed. Jefal. p. 190.
  12. "Journal La Nouvelle République Algérie". La Nouvelle République Algérie (in French). Retrieved 2022-06-04.
  13. Yasmina Cherrad-Benchefra, Valéry Debov, Yacine Derradji, Dalila Smaali-Dekdouk et Ambroise Queffélec. (2002). "Le Français en Algérie. Lexique et dynamique des langues.Bruxelles". Boeck Supérieur: 484.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  14. Schürings, Hildegard; Lamari, Moktar (2000-02-01). FORCES FEMININES ET DYNAMIQUES RURALES EN TUNISIE: Contributions socio-économiques et espoirs des jeunes filles du monde rural (in French). Editions L'Harmattan. ISBN 978-2-296-40432-8.
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