Algerian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors influenced by North African and Mediterranean connections, reflecting the country's diverse history and cultural heritage. One of its iconic dishes is Algerian Hmiss, a spicy tomato and pepper salad that embodies Algerian hospitality and is enjoyed as a versatile accompaniment to various meals.

Ingredients:

• 4 red bell peppers
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Roast the Peppers and Tomatoes:

1- Place the red bell peppers and tomatoes on a baking sheet.

2- Broil them in the oven, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and blistered, and the flesh is soft. This should take about 15-20 minutes.

Peel and Prepare:

1- Once roasted, remove the peppers and tomatoes from the oven and immediately place them in a sealed plastic bag or a covered bowl. Let them sweat for about 15 minutes. This will make it easier to peel the skin.

2- After sweating, peel the skin off the peppers and tomatoes, remove the seeds, and chop them into small pieces.

Prepare the Hmiss:

1- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, usually about 5 minutes.

3- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or until fragrant.

Spice it Up:

1- Add the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.

Combine Ingredients:

1- Now, add the roasted and chopped peppers and tomatoes to the skillet. Mix everything together and let the flavors meld over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Season and Garnish:

1- Season the Hmiss with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Adjust the spice level if needed.

2- If you prefer, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness and color.

Serve:

1- Algerian Hmiss can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It's commonly served as a side dish, alongside bread, or as an accompaniment to other Algerian dishes. It's also a great condiment for grilled meats.

Hmiss is a flavorful and versatile dish that adds a unique taste of Algeria to your table. Enjoy the combination of roasted peppers, tomatoes, and spices in this traditional Algerian recipe.

Nutritional Values

Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Algerian Hmiss recipe. Keep in mind that the actual values may vary depending on factors such as the size of the vegetables and the amount of olive oil used.

Nutritional Values for Key Ingredients (per 100 grams):

Red Bell Peppers:

• Calories: 31 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6.0 g
• Protein: 0.9 g
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Fiber: 2.1 g
• Vitamin C: 127.7 mg (213% of the Daily Value)

benefits: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, red bell peppers support immune health, promote healthy skin, and aid digestion.

Tomatoes:

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3.9 g
• Protein: 0.9 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Vitamin C: 13.7 mg (23% of the Daily Value)

benefits: Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and antioxidants like lycopene. They support heart health, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and promote healthy skin.

Onions:

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9.3 g
• Protein: 1.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Fiber: 1.7 g
• Vitamin C: 7.4 mg (12% of the Daily Value)

benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants and compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain vitamins C and B6, which support immune health and metabolism, respectively.

Garlic:

• Calories: 149 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 33.1 g
• Protein: 6.4 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Fiber: 2.1 g
• Vitamin C: 31.2 mg (52% of the Daily Value)

benefits: Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It contains allicin, a compound with various health benefits, including supporting heart health and boosting the immune system.

Olive Oil:

• Calories: 884 kcal
• Total Fat: 100 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 73 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 11 g

benefits: Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It helps reduce inflammation, lower the risk of heart disease, and may improve cholesterol levels.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. The nutritional values of the prepared Hmiss will depend on the portion size and the amount of each ingredient used in the recipe. If you require precise nutritional information, it's recommended to use a nutritional calculator or consult a registered dietitian.