A smoky salad of fire-roasted peppers, tomatoes, and onions, mashed with olive oil, capers, and tuna, served as a vibrant starter.
Nutrition & Info
Allergen Warnings
Equipment Needed
Presentation Guide
Vessel: shallow ceramic plate
Garnishes: hard-boiled egg, olives, capers
Accompaniments: crusty bread
Instructions
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1
Char peppers, tomatoes, chilies, onion, and garlic directly over a flame or under a broiler until blackened all over.
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2
Place charred vegetables in a bowl, cover tightly, and let steam for ten minutes to loosen the skins easily.
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3
Peel away all charred skin, remove seeds from peppers, and roughly chop all vegetables into a chunky mixture.
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4
Combine vegetables with olive oil, lemon juice, capers, and flaked tuna. Mix gently to keep texture rustic.
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5
Season with salt, transfer to a shallow plate, and garnish with hard-boiled egg quarters and extra olive oil.
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6
Serve at room temperature with crusty bread as a starter or alongside grilled meats as a bold accompaniment.
Did You Know?
No two Tunisian households make mechouia the same way; the ratio of pepper to tomato is a fiercely debated family secret.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- grill or stovetop
- cutting board
- mortar and pestle
Garnishing
hard-boiled egg, olives, capers
Accompaniments
crusty bread
The Story Behind Mechouia
Mechouia is the quintessential Tunisian salad, appearing on virtually every table across the country. The name means grilled or roasted, referring to the essential step of charring vegetables over open flame. This technique predates modern kitchens and connects modern Tunisian cooking to its ancient roots. The addition of tuna and capers reflects Tunisia's Mediterranean identity and its long fishing tradition.
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