Mechouia (grilled vegetable salad)

Kuwaiti Mechouia Recipe - Grilled Vegetable Salad

Region / culture: Kuwait | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Mechouia is a delicious grilled vegetable salad that originates from Tunisia. This vibrant and flavorful dish is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or fish.

History

Mechouia has been a staple in Tunisian cuisine for centuries. The dish is traditionally made by grilling a variety of vegetables, such as peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and then combining them with herbs, spices, and other ingredients to create a flavorful salad.

Ingredients

2 large sweet red peppers
2 large onions
4 medium tomatoes
1 small hot pepper
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp oregano
1 7 oz (198 g) can of tuna
2 oz (57 g) crumbled feta cheese
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Grill the peppers, tomatoes, and onions in the hot oven.
Turn them once during the grilling process.
Continue grilling until the vegetables are soft.
Remove the grilled vegetables from the oven and let them cool.
Remove the seeds from the peppers.
Dice all of the cooked vegetables into small pieces.
Place the diced vegetables on a flat serving platter.
Gently stir in the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
To serve, spread the tuna and hard-boiled eggs over the top of the vegetables.

Variations

You can customize Mechouia by adding other grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. You can also add olives, capers, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to grill the vegetables until they are soft and slightly charred for the best flavor.

- You can adjust the amount of hot pepper used in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other grilled vegetables or ingredients such as olives or capers.

Serving Suggestions

Mechouia can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy meal. It pairs well with crusty bread or couscous.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the vegetables gives Mechouia a smoky and charred flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Make sure to turn the vegetables during grilling to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the tuna in Mechouia with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. You can also use different types of cheese such as goat cheese or mozzarella.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the grilled vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad. This makes Mechouia a great option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mechouia on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs, olives, or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant look.

Pairing Recommendations

Mechouia pairs well with grilled meats such as lamb or chicken, as well as seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or fish. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing mint tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Mechouia can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad until warmed through or enjoy it cold as a refreshing dish.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mechouia contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mechouia contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mechouia contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mechouia contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mechouia is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium from the vegetables used in the recipe.

Alergens

Mechouia contains fish (tuna) and eggs, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Mechouia is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It is a healthy and flavorful option for a light meal or side dish.

Summary

Mechouia is a flavorful and nutritious grilled vegetable salad that is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, Mechouia is sure to impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Mechouia, a delightful grilled vegetable salad that I have come to love over the years. It was during a trip to Tunisia, a country known for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant flavors. I had always been drawn to the colorful and aromatic dishes of North Africa, and I was eager to learn more about the traditional dishes of the region.

I was exploring the bustling markets of Tunis, when I stumbled upon a small food stall tucked away in a corner. The air was filled with the sounds of sizzling meats and spices, and the aroma of grilled vegetables wafted through the air. Intrigued, I approached the stall and struck up a conversation with the friendly vendor.

He told me that Mechouia was a popular dish in Tunisia, made with a mix of grilled vegetables, herbs, and spices. He explained that the key to a good Mechouia was to char the vegetables over an open flame, giving them a smoky flavor that was truly unique. I watched as he expertly grilled peppers, tomatoes, and onions, turning them until they were blackened and blistered.

As I watched him work, I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I asked the vendor if he would be willing to share his recipe with me, and to my delight, he agreed. He walked me through the process, showing me how to prepare the vegetables, season them with a blend of spices, and grill them to perfection.

I was amazed at how simple the recipe was, yet how delicious the end result turned out to be. The charred vegetables were smoky and sweet, with a hint of spice that lingered on the palate. I knew that I had stumbled upon a true culinary gem, and I couldn't wait to recreate it at home.

When I returned from my trip to Tunisia, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients I needed to make Mechouia. I carefully grilled the vegetables over an open flame, just as the vendor had shown me, taking care to turn them until they were perfectly charred on all sides. I then chopped them up and tossed them with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and a blend of spices that I had brought back from my trip.

The finished dish was a revelation. The smoky flavors of the grilled vegetables mingled with the aromatic spices, creating a dish that was both simple and complex in its flavors. I served it as a side dish at a family gathering, and it was a hit with everyone who tried it.

Since that first taste of Mechouia in Tunisia, I have made the dish countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have added different vegetables, experimented with new spice blends, and even tried grilling the vegetables over different types of wood to see how it affects the flavor.

But no matter how many variations I try, the essence of Mechouia remains the same. It is a dish that speaks to the soul of North African cuisine, with its bold flavors and simple preparation. And every time I make it, I am transported back to that bustling market stall in Tunis, where I first fell in love with this delicious grilled vegetable salad.