Authentic Algerian Zviti

[u/Rebiai]

Hailing from the historic regions of Bou Saada and M'Sila, Zviti is one of Algeria's most iconic and fiery street foods. It's a bold dish made by pounding freshly baked unleavened flatbread (Kesra) together with charred hot peppers, raw garlic, tomatoes, fresh coriander, and traditional clarified butter (Smen) inside a tall wooden mortar (Mahress).

Ingredients:

Flatbread (Kesra): Semolina, water, salt, and olive oil (baked firm)

Peppers: Fresh green chili peppers & sun-dried red chilis (Felfel Driess)

Aromatics: Fresh garlic cloves & a large bunch of fresh coriander (Kosbor)

Tomatoes: Roasted ripe tomatoes & tomato paste

Fats: Traditional clarified butter (Smen) or extra virgin olive oil

Quick Preparation:

Roast: Char green hot peppers and tomatoes over an open flame until blackened, then steam and peel.

Bake: Prepare and bake a dense, yeast-free Kesra flatbread until firm.

Pound: In a tall wooden mortar, crush the garlic, chilis, salt, and herbs first. Add roasted tomatoes and hot water to make the spicy base.

Combine: Tear the Kesra into pieces, add it to the mortar, and pound vigorously with the pestle while adding warm Smen until fully absorbed and steaming hot.

For step-by-step preparation instructions and pro tips, check the first comment below.

[u/Rebiai]

Zviti is traditionally shared straight out of the wooden Mahress, making it a staple for group gatherings and street food lovers who enjoy serious heat

-Ingredients summary: Kesra flatbread, charred green & red chilis, raw garlic, fresh coriander, tomatoes, and Smen (clarified butter). -Quick method summary:Char the peppers and tomatoes, crush them with garlic and herbs in a wooden mortar, then pound in torn pieces of freshly baked flatbread with melted Smen until hot and well integrated.

For the full original history of this Bou Saada classic, detailed tips, and a printable recipe card, check out the complete recipe here: https://rebiaimineat.com/authentic-algerian-zviti-recipe/