Mechouia

Mechouia

مشوية (mesh-WEE-yah)

Grilled Vegetable Salad

Prep Time 30 min
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
4
🔥 Calories 186 kcal

A smoky salad of fire-roasted peppers, tomatoes, and onions, mashed with olive oil, capers, and tuna, served as a vibrant starter.

Nutrition & Info

180 kcal per serving
Protein 10.0g
Carbs 14.0g
Fat 10.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ fish

Equipment Needed

grill or stovetop cutting board mortar and pestle

Presentation Guide

Vessel: shallow ceramic plate

Garnishes: hard-boiled egg, olives, capers

Accompaniments: crusty bread

Instructions

  1. 1

    Char peppers, tomatoes, chilies, onion, and garlic directly over a flame or under a broiler until blackened all over.

  2. 2

    Place charred vegetables in a bowl, cover tightly, and let steam for ten minutes to loosen the skins easily.

  3. 3

    Peel away all charred skin, remove seeds from peppers, and roughly chop all vegetables into a chunky mixture.

  4. 4

    Combine vegetables with olive oil, lemon juice, capers, and flaked tuna. Mix gently to keep texture rustic.

  5. 5

    Season with salt, transfer to a shallow plate, and garnish with hard-boiled egg quarters and extra olive oil.

  6. 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.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed starter at every meal 📜 Origins: Traditional Tunisian

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