Algerian Chicken Rechta
Fine semolina noodles with tender chicken, chickpeas, vegetables, and an aromatic Algerian white sauce.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Pasta roller or rolling pin
- Couscoussier or steamer basket
- Large Dutch oven
Ingredients
Rechta Noodles
- 2 1/2 cups fine semolina flour plus more for dusting
- 3/4 cup warm water approximately
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Chicken and White Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 lb bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas drained
- 2 medium turnips peeled and quartered
- 2 medium zucchini cut into thick pieces
- 5 cups chicken stock or water
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp fine salt divided
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter for finishing noodles
Instructions
Make the Noodles:
- Mix semolina and salt. Add warm water gradually and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until firm and smooth. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough very thin with a pasta roller or rolling pin. Dust with semolina, cut into fine noodle strands, and let dry for 15 minutes.
Cook the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Soften the onion for 5 minutes, then add chicken, cinnamon, pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Add stock, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook covered for 30 minutes. Add chickpeas and turnips and simmer for 15 minutes, then add zucchini and cook 12 minutes more until tender.
Steam and Serve:
- Steam the noodles over simmering water or broth for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wide bowl, loosen with a splash of water and half the butter, then steam once more for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Toss the hot noodles with remaining butter and salt. Arrange on a platter with chicken and vegetables and moisten with several ladles of white sauce.
Notes
- Keep the sauce pale by avoiding tomato and heavy browning.
- If using purchased fresh rechta, follow its steaming time and begin with the sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 575kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 36gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 780mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6g