Food on the Move Tips | Page 24 of 66
Assidat Zgougou: Tunisian Creamy Dessert
Assidat zgougou is a traditional Tunisian dessert primarily prepared for Mawlid celebrations but available year-round in pastry shops. The dessert has a characteristic creamy texture, achieved thanks to its main ingredient - the seeds of the Aleppo pine. The surface is decorated with nuts, often arranged in artistic patterns.
Makroudh: Tunisian Cookie Filled with Dates
Makroudh is a traditional Tunisian sweet originating from the city of Kairouan. It is made from semolina dough filled with date paste, shaped into cylinders. These are flattened, cut into the characteristic diamond shapes, and fried until golden. Finally, the pieces are dipped in syrup made of sugar, water, and lemon juice. Makroudh is beloved throughout the Maghreb.
Basbousa: A Moist Arabic Semolina Cake
Basbousa, known as harissa in Tunisia, is a traditional sweet dessert popular in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. This moist cake is made from coarse wheat semolina, giving it a unique grainy texture, and is soaked in a sweet sugar syrup after baking. Basbousa is a staple at celebrations, Ramadan, weddings, and holidays such as Eid al-Fitr. The recipe varies widely from region to region.
Harissa: Tunisian Spicy Paste
Harissa is a traditional Tunisian spicy paste that combines the bold flavors of dried chili peppers, garlic, oil, and aromatic spices. The name comes from the Arabic word "hars," meaning "to crush," which describes the traditional preparation method using a copper mortar. The most famous varieties come from the city of Nabeul, where Baklouti peppers are grown and processed with expert care. Harissa is an essential part of Tunisian cuisine.
What to Bring Back from Tunisia?
Among my favorite culinary souvenirs from Tunisia is the local couscous. It is a staple of Tunisian cuisine and is of superb quality. Tunisian olive oil is one of the best in the world. I also can’t resist the local bsisse, a nutritious mixture of grains, legumes, and spices, which I consider to be Tunisia’s version of "Nutella."
Khobz: Typical North African Flatbread
Khobz is a traditional flatbread that is an essential part of North African cuisine, found especially in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. It is made from simple ingredients - wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast. This versatile bread serves not only as a side to dishes but also as a tool for scooping sauces and soups.
Fricassé: Typical Tunisian Street Food
Fricassé is a type of Tunisian sandwich. It is fried pastry made from leavened dough, which is sliced lengthwise after frying and filled with a variety of ingredients, typically canned tuna, boiled egg, olives, potatoes, and spicy harissa. This delicacy is one of the most popular Tunisian street food dishes.
Boga: A Typical Tunisian Soft Drink
Boga is a popular Tunisian brand of non-alcoholic soft drinks, produced since 1947 by Société Frigorifique et Brasserie de Tunis (SFBT). The name originates from the French term "boisson gazeuse" (carbonated drink). Boga is available in several flavors. While it resembles Coca-Cola in color, its taste is very different.
Tunisian Dates
The date palm, a symbol of life and abundance, has been cultivated in Tunisia since the time of Carthage. Dates are deeply rooted in Tunisian history, culture, and economy. The most renowned local variety is Deglet Nour, known for its delicate flavor and quality.
Tunisian Wine
Tunisia has a long winemaking tradition dating back to ancient Roman times. French colonization in the 19th century brought modern winemaking technologies to the country and boosted wine exports to Europe. Today, Tunisia produces intriguing red and white wines from both local and international grape varieties, despite the restrictions imposed by Islam.