When you think of Mediterranean cuisine, what comes to mind? Probably Italian dishes, Greek, maybe even Croatian. But the Mediterranean is large and borders many countries, not all of them European. Today we’re looking at one of them, located on the African continent: Tunisia. More specifically, we’re looking at the Tunisian grilled salad slata mechouia. Because it will blow you away!
Slata Mechouia: Tunisian Grilled Salad with Tuna and Egg
Most people are now aware that the term “salad” goes beyond the usual green leafy salad. In fact, the dictionary defines the word, among other things, as “a mess that can no longer be perceived individually.” At least colloquially. More directly salads can be defined as a “cold dish made from plucked salad plants, fruit, vegetables, meat, sausage, fish or the like.” Both show: Salad is a dish defined by versatility. In the case of slata mechouia, for example, it’s a salad with more of a creamy texture.
Slata mechouia is a staple of Tunisian cuisine, which has many culinary influences, especially on the coast. The country’s culinary scene boasts both Mediterranean and Berber, indingeous North African, culinary influences. Berber cuisine, which utilizes a rich blend of spices, is especially influential in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia in particular. In combination with the ingredients that the Mediterranean climate brings to the small country, it’s no wonder that this salad tastes so good!
Slata mechouia is made up primarily of grilled vegetables, usually bell peppers (mild and spicy) and tomatoes, which are classically grilled over charcoal. However, you won’t be serving the peppers whole, but rather chopped and then seasoned with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander. This creates a dish hat tastes more like antipasto than a traditional salad. Traditionally, the whole thing is then garnished with boiled eggs, tuna, and capers. While the combination is unexpected, trust us that it is exceptionally delicious. Especially on hot days, there is hardly anything better than dishes made from fresh vegetables that are spiced just right.
Slata Mechouia tastes great on its own with some kefir flatbread or as a side dish to zucchini and halloumi skewers or zucchini salmon skewers.
Slata Mechouia, or Tunisian Grilled Salad
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 green bell peppers
- 2 green chiles or spicy green bell peppers
- 3 roma tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- salt & pepper
- 6 oz tuna
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 tbsp olives
Instructions
- Grill the bell peppers, chiles, tomatoes, onion, and garlic over a charcoal grill until softened.
- Place everything in a bowl and cover briefly with plastic wrap.
- Peel and chop the vegetables.
- Mix the vegetables with 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, spices, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange the salad on a deep plate or shallow bowl, drizzle with the remaining oil, and serve with the tuna and eggs cut into eighths. Sprinkle capers and olives on top.