Hmiss facts for kids
| Alternative names | Hmiss, ifelfel, felfla, Algerian grilled salad, Algerian roasted salad. |
|---|---|
| Type | Vegetarian |
| Course | Side dish |
| Place of origin | |
| Associated national cuisine | Algeria |
| Serving temperature | Hot Cold |
| Main ingredients | Peppers, Tomatoes, Garlic |
| Similar dishes | Zviti |
Hmiss (pronounced "H-mees") is a super tasty traditional salad from Algeria, a country in North Africa. In some parts of Algeria, like Kabylia, people call it ifelfel. In the region of Oran, it's known as felfla.
The name "Hmiss" comes from an Arabic word that means "sautéed." This is because the vegetables used in Hmiss are gently cooked after they've been grilled. This delicious salad is mostly made from grilled peppers and tomatoes, mixed with garlic, and seasoned with olive oil. It's a simple but very popular dish!
Contents
How Hmiss is Made
Hmiss is prepared all over Algeria, but there are small differences in how it's made from one region to another. The main idea is to grill the vegetables first to give them a smoky flavor.
Preparing the Ingredients
First, peppers and tomatoes are grilled until they are soft and slightly charred. This can be done over a fire, on a grill, or even in an oven. After grilling, their skins are usually removed.
Mixing and Seasoning
The grilled peppers and tomatoes are then chopped into small pieces. Garlic is often added, along with olive oil. Sometimes, the ingredients are crushed together in a special wooden mortar called a mehras. This helps to blend all the flavors.
Regional Styles of Hmiss
Different parts of Algeria have their own special ways of making Hmiss. These small changes make each version unique and delicious!
Eastern Algeria's Hmiss
In eastern Algeria, Hmiss is usually made with garlic, tomatoes, and grilled peppers. The garlic, chopped tomatoes, and oil are cooked in a frying pan for a few minutes. Then, the grilled peppers are added, and everything is crushed together. This version is often served with a type of bread called aghroum or kesra.
Kabylian Hmiss
In the Kabylia region, Hmiss uses the same main vegetables. It's seasoned with olive oil, just like other versions. However, sometimes beaten eggs are added at the very end. These eggs are mixed in and cooked slowly with the vegetables, making the salad even richer.
Tlemcen's Hmiss
In the city of Tlemcen, Hmiss is prepared with olive oil, peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. What makes this version special is the addition of eggs and fresh coriander. It's also flavored with a spice called caraway, which gives it a unique taste.
