Tunisian cuisine

Overview of the culinary traditions of Tunisia

Tunisian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Maghreb culinary traditions. It is known for its rich flavors, use of spices, and diverse ingredients. The cuisine reflects the country's history and cultural influences, including Berber, Arab, Turkish, and French.

History

Tunisian cuisine has evolved over centuries, influenced by the various civilizations that have settled in the region. The Phoenicians introduced olive oil, while the Romans brought wheat and barley. The Arabs introduced spices and couscous, and the Ottomans contributed pastries and coffee. French colonization in the 19th century added new cooking techniques and ingredients.

Ingredients

Tunisian cuisine is characterized by its use of olive oil, spices, tomatoes, seafood, and lamb. Common spices include cumin, coriander, caraway, and harissa, a hot chili pepper paste that is a staple in many dishes.

Dishes

Appetizers

• Brik: A thin pastry filled with egg, tuna, or meat, and deep-fried.
• Salata Mechouia: A grilled salad made with peppers, tomatoes, and onions.

Main Courses

• Couscous: A staple dish made with steamed semolina grains, often served with meat and vegetables.
• Ojja: A spicy stew made with tomatoes, peppers, and eggs.
• Lablabi: A chickpea soup flavored with cumin and garlic, often served with bread.
• Merguez: Spicy lamb or beef sausages.

Desserts

• Makroud: A semolina cake filled with dates or almonds and soaked in honey.
• Baklava: A sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with nuts and honey.

Beverages

Tunisian beverages include mint tea, Turkish coffee, and boukha, a distilled spirit made from figs.

Related pages

• Mediterranean cuisine
• Maghreb cuisine
• North African cuisine

Gallery

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  Lablabi
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  Map of Tunisia
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  Asida
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  Merguez sausages
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  Shakshouka
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  Ojja
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  Couscous bel Osban
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  Brik
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  Tabouna bread
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  Tunisian pastries
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  Harissa sauce
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  Makrouds

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  Leblabi
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  Map of Tunisia
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  Eating Asida
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  Merguez sausages
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  Shakshoka
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  Tunisian Ojja
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  Couscous bel Osban
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  Brik
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  Tabouna
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  Tunisian pastries
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  Harissa Sauce
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  Makrouds