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In the high plateaus of Algeria’s M’Sila province, Zviti (also called Slata Mahras) is a fiery relic of desert tradition. This rustic mortar-and-pestle salad transforms simple flatbread and local produce into a shared dish bursting with spice. Originating in Bou Saâda, Zviti is often prepared during family gatherings or celebrations. The secret to its character lies in the preparation: a special unleavened semolina flatbread (usually kesra or rakhsas) is broken into pieces, then crushed in a tall wooden mortar (mehraş) together with ripe grilled tomatoes, fresh hot peppers and garlic.
The villagers of Bou Saâda and surrounding Ouled Naïl communities have long prized this communal dish not only for its bold, chilli heat but also for its interactive serving style – the mortar itself becomes the serving bowl, and diners eagerly scoop the hot mash with their hands or spoons. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of aromatic coriander complete the assembly, balancing the rough crunch of bread with tangy tomato and sharp chili. Though its intense spiciness can make foreheads sweat, Zviti is traditionally eaten with a side of lben (fermented buttermilk) to soothe the heat.
The end result is a communal experience: conversation pausing only for hearty exclamations as family members share mouthfuls of this vibrant, red-hued salad straight from the mortar. In many homes, preparing Zviti is a matter of pride, passed down through generations. Today, even in cities, Algerians sometimes recreate this dish in communal gatherings, preserving a taste of their homeland’s culinary heritage in each robust bite.
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kcalZviti, also known as Slata Mahras, is a quintessential dish of Algeria’s M’Sila province, where culinary tradition meets communal ritual. Originating in Bou Saâda, this fiery mortar-and-pestle salad transforms humble staples into a bold, celebratory feast. At its core lies kesra, a coarse semolina flatbread, which is torn into pieces and pounded with roasted tomatoes, hot chilies, and garlic inside a tall wooden mortar (mehraş). The mixture is then enriched with olive oil, toasted cumin, and fresh coriander, resulting in a rustic, chunky blend of smoky, tangy, and intensely spicy flavors.
Algerian flatbread (Kesra or Reqass bread) – 1 round (about 200–250 g). Tear or cut into bite-sized pieces. (This coarse, unleavened bread soaks up the spicy sauce.)
Roma tomatoes – 3–4 medium, charred or roasted until skins blister. (Adds smoky sweetness.)
Hot chili peppers – 2–3 (e.g. green jalapeño or red chili), roasted and seeded. (Provides the characteristic heat; adjust amount for desired spice level.)
Garlic – 3 cloves, roughly chopped. (For pungency.)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons. (To smooth and enrich the mixture.)
Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon, toasted. (Crushed last into the mortar for a warm, earthy note.)
Fresh coriander (cilantro) – handful, chopped (for garnish).
Salt – to taste.
Toast the bread and peppers. Break the flatbread into large pieces. Grill or pan-toast the bread lightly until crisp. Char the tomatoes and chili peppers over a flame or under the broiler, turning occasionally, until blackened on the outside. Remove skins, seeds and stems.
Crush garlic and spices. Place the garlic cloves, toasted cumin seeds and a little salt in a large wooden mortar (mehraş). Mash together with the pestle until it becomes a rough paste.
Add chili and tomatoes. Add the roasted chili peppers to the mortar and crush with the garlic paste. Then add the peeled, chopped tomatoes. Continue pounding and mixing until the ingredients form a chunky sauce.
Incorporate bread. Gradually add the torn bread pieces to the mortar. Using the pestle, crush and mix the bread into the spicy tomato-chili mixture. Work in batches if necessary, so the bread evenly absorbs the sauce.
Season and finish. Drizzle in the olive oil, continuing to mix until the mixture binds together. Adjust salt. The final Zviti should be spicy, slightly moist and very fragrant. Transfer the salad into the original wooden mortar or a serving bowl.
Garnish and serve. Sprinkle chopped coriander over the top. Serve Zviti hot, surrounded by diners sharing from the mortar with spoons or flatbread pieces. Often accompanied by a jug of cold lben or water to counter the heat.
Nutrient | Per Serving |
Calories | 300 kcal |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Allergens: Contains wheat (bread). Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free if made with gluten-free flatbread.
Q: What is the key ingredient of Zviti?
A: Zviti’s hallmark is the Kesra flatbread, which is torn and crushed into a spicy mixture of tomatoes, garlic and chilies. The unique use of this flatbread (sometimes called rakhssis or reqass) gives Zviti its hearty texture.
Q: Why is Zviti so spicy?
A: Traditionally, Zviti includes fresh hot peppers (and sometimes extra chili paste), making it one of the spicier Algerian dishes. The spice was originally a practical choice to help preserve and add flavor in the desert climate. Locals drink cool lben or water alongside Zviti to soothe the mouth.
Q: Can I make Zviti if I don’t have a mortar?
A: Yes. Use a large bowl and a sturdy wooden spoon or a pestle from another dish. The goal is to crush the ingredients coarsely. The mortar contributes authenticity, but any heavy-duty mixing method will yield a delicious salad.
Q: What can I serve Zviti with?
A: Zviti is often a standalone appetizer. You can offer extra flatbread on the side (to scoop up the salad), and a pitcher of cold buttermilk or mint tea to accompany the heat. It can also be served alongside milder dishes like yogurt salad or couscous.
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