Chakhchoukha Constantinoise
A hearty and flavorful dish from Constantine, Algeria, featuring shredded msemen (a type of flaky, layered flatbread) served with a rich, slow-cooked tomato-based meat stew, typically lamb or chicken, and chickpeas. It's known for its comforting, savory, and deeply aromatic profile.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6-8 pieces Msemen(Store-bought or homemade. If homemade, prepare according to your favorite recipe. Ensure they are fully cooled before shredding.)
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder or bone-in chicken thighs(Cut into 2-inch pieces. Bone-in chicken will add more flavor to the stew.)
- 2 large Onions(Finely chopped)
- 800 g Tomatoes(Canned crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, peeled and pureed. Using good quality canned tomatoes is recommended for consistency.)
- 400 g Chickpeas(Cooked and drained. Canned or pre-cooked dried chickpeas.)
- 4-6 cloves Garlic(Minced. Adjust to your preference.)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil(Or a neutral cooking oil.)
- 2 tsp Ras el hanout(A complex Moroccan spice blend. Ensure it's fresh for best flavor.)
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Sweet paprika
- 1 small Cinnamon stick(About 2-3 inches long.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
- as needed Water or broth(To cover the meat and achieve desired sauce consistency.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro or parsley(Finely chopped, for garnish.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Msemen: If using store-bought msemen, stack 2-3 pieces at a time, then slice them into thin strips (about 1/4 inch wide). Continue slicing and then further shredding these strips into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Aim for irregular shapes that will soak up the sauce well. Set aside in a large bowl.
- 2
Sear the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Pat the meat pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear the meat in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until deeply browned on all sides. This browning develops crucial flavor. Remove the seared meat and set aside.
- 3
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 7-10 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot left by the meat.
- 4
Bloom Spices: Add the minced garlic, ras el hanout, turmeric, cumin, and paprika to the pot with the onions. Stir constantly and cook for about 1 minute until the spices are very fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic or spices.
- 5
Combine and Simmer: Return the seared meat to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes and the cinnamon stick. Stir everything together to coat the meat and onions. Pour in enough water or broth to just cover the meat. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
- 6
Slow Cook the Stew: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer gently for at least 2 to 2.5 hours. The cooking time will depend on the meat; lamb shoulder will take longer than chicken. The meat should be fork-tender and easily shreddable.
- 7
Add Chickpeas: During the last 30 minutes of simmering, stir in the drained chickpeas. This allows them to heat through and absorb some of the stew's flavors without becoming mushy.
- 8
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce seems too thin, you can remove the lid and simmer for a bit longer to reduce it, or thicken with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water). Remove and discard the cinnamon stick before serving.
- 9
Assemble and Serve: To serve, place a generous mound of the shredded msemen onto each serving plate or shallow bowl. Ladle the hot, rich stew generously over the msemen, ensuring plenty of meat, chickpeas, and sauce are included. The msemen should begin to soften and absorb the delicious sauce. Garnish liberally with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the most authentic flavor and tender meat, lamb shoulder is highly recommended. Bone-in chicken thighs are a good alternative for a slightly quicker cooking time.
- ✓The key to Chakhchoukha is the texture of the msemen. Shredding it finely ensures it soaks up the rich sauce beautifully. If msemen is unavailable, you can substitute with other flatbreads like m'hamsa or even thick pita bread, though the texture will differ.
- ✓Patience is crucial for this dish. The long, slow simmer allows the meat to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld perfectly. Don't rush the cooking process.
- ✓The consistency of the sauce is personal preference. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes, or thicken as described in Step 8.
- ✓For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a small piece of preserved lemon rind to the stew during the last hour of cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of saffron threads (soaked in a tablespoon of warm water) to the stew during the last hour of cooking for a more complex aroma and beautiful color.
- Include root vegetables like diced carrots, potatoes, or turnips along with the onions for a heartier, more complete meal.
- Serve with a side of harissa paste or chili flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick.