Karantika, a cherished dish in Algerian cuisine, is a savory chickpea gratin celebrated for its robust flavors and cultural significance. This traditional Algerian specialty combines hearty chickpeas with aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, creating a comforting and nutritious meal. Known as "Karantika Bel Kashta," it embodies the rich culinary heritage of North Africa, offering a taste of Algeria's diverse flavors and historical influences. Enjoyed for its simplicity and depth of flavor, Karantika stands as a testament to Algeria's culinary traditions and the enduring appeal of Mediterranean cuisine.

Ingredients:

For the Chickpeas:

• 2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water

For the Gratin:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 eggs
• Grated cheese (optional)
• Additional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chickpeas: a. In a large pot, heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. b. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. c. Stir in the cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well. d. Add the soaked and drained chickpeas and enough water to cover them by about 2 inches. e. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the chickpeas are tender. You may need to add more water during cooking to keep them covered.

2. Make the Gratin: a. In a separate pan, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. b. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes. c. Add the canned diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.

3. Combine the Chickpeas and Gratin: a. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). b. Combine the cooked chickpeas and tomato mixture, mixing them thoroughly. Add the fresh parsley and mix again.

4. Bake the Karantika: a. Transfer the chickpea and tomato mixture to a baking dish. b. Create four small wells in the mixture and break an egg into each well. c. If desired, sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the mixture. d. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the egg whites are set, and the yolks are still slightly runny.

5. Serve: a. Garnish the Karantika with additional fresh parsley. b. Serve hot with crusty bread or as a side dish to enjoy the flavors of Algerian chickpea gratin.

Enjoy your homemade Karantika, a delightful Algerian dish that's sure to satisfy your taste buds!

Nutritional Values

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the key ingredients in the Algerian Chickpeas Gratin (Karantika) recipe. Please note that these values can vary depending on specific brands and variations in ingredient quantities used:

For Dried Chickpeas (2 cups, soaked and drained):

• Calories: 720 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 126g
• Dietary Fiber: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Iron: 8.04mg (45% DV)
• Magnesium: 160mg (40% DV)
• Potassium: 1110mg (24% DV)

benefit: Rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, and phosphorus, chickpeas are great for heart health, digestion, and blood sugar regulation.

For Olive Oil (1/4 cup for chickpeas and 2 tablespoons for gratin):

• Calories: 480 kcal (1/4 cup) + 240 kcal (2 tablespoons)
• Total Fat: 72g (1/4 cup) + 28g (2 tablespoons)
• Saturated Fat: 10g (1/4 cup) + 4g (2 tablespoons)

benefit:

For Onions (1 onion for chickpeas and 1 onion for gratin):

• Calories: Approximately 60 kcal per onion
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 14g per onion
• Dietary Fiber: Approximately 3g per onion
• Protein: Approximately 1.5g per onion

benefit: Onions are packed with antioxidants and compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. They also add flavor to dishes.

For Garlic (3 cloves for chickpeas and 2 cloves for gratin):

• Calories: Approximately 13 kcal (3 cloves) + 9 kcal (2 cloves)
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 3g (3 cloves) + 2g (2 cloves)

benefit: Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.

For Spices (cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper):

• Calories: Negligible
• Carbohydrates: Negligible
• Dietary Fiber: Negligible
• Protein: Negligible

benefit:

1. Ground cumin: Cumin is known for its distinctive flavor and is also a good source of antioxidants. It may aid digestion, improve blood sugar control, and have anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Paprika: Paprika adds color and flavor to dishes and contains vitamins A, E, and B6, as well as antioxidants like beta-carotene. It may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and provide pain relief. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

For Canned Diced Tomatoes (14 oz can):

• Calories: Approximately 70 kcal (for the whole can)
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 16g (for the whole can)
• Dietary Fiber: Approximately 4g (for the whole can)
• Protein: Approximately 4g (for the whole can)

benefit: tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as potassium and antioxidants like lycopene, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

For Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup for chickpeas, plus extra for garnish):

• Calories: Approximately 2 kcal (1/4 cup)
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.4g (1/4 cup)
• Dietary Fiber: Approximately 0.4g (1/4 cup)
• Protein: Approximately 0.2g (1/4 cup)

benefit: Parsley is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids. It may support bone health, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health.

For Eggs (4 eggs):

• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal (4 eggs)
• Protein: Approximately 28g (4 eggs)
• Fat: Approximately 22g (4 eggs)

benefit: Eggs are a complete source of protein and contain essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and D, as well as choline, which is important for brain health and development.

For Grated Cheese (optional, quantity not specified):

• Calories, protein, fat, and other nutrients would depend on the type and quantity of cheese used. Please check the packaging for specific details.

benefit: Cheese provides protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, but it's high in saturated fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. If you require more precise nutritional information, you may consider using a nutritional calculator or contacting a registered dietitian for assistance.