Gourmet Algerian Roasted Pepper & Tomato Salad
This delightful Algerian dish, known as Felfel B'tomatish, is a vibrant blend of roasted green bell peppers and fresh vine-ripened tomatoes, infused with the aromatic essence of garlic and olive oil. Each ingredient shines through in this versatile salad that can be enjoyed warm or cold. You have the option to grill, roast, or fry the peppers for a perfect smoky undertone. Whether served as a stand-alone dish or as part of a mezze platter, this salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, making it a family favorite in my home. A splash of vinegar can elevate the flavors even further, enhancing your tasting experience—don't hesitate to experiment with this optional addition!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
green bell peppers
3 (large, roasted/peeled and diced)
vine ripened tomatoes
2 (diced)
garlic
1-2 cloves (minced)
water
2-3 tablespoons (as needed for cooking)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
vinegar
optional, to taste (for drizzling before serving)
Instructions
1
Choose your method of cooking: grill, fry, or roast the green bell peppers until they are softened but retain some structure—avoid making them mushy.
2
Once cooked, place the hot peppers in a plastic bag and seal it, allowing them to steam for about 5 minutes. This makes peeling the skins easier.
3
Carefully remove the skins from the peppers, discarding them, and chop the peppers into approximately 1-inch by 1/2-inch pieces.
4
Mince the garlic cloves finely.
5
Heat the olive oil gently in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped peppers, minced garlic, and diced tomatoes to the pan.
6
Sauté the mixture for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Season to taste with salt, then pour in the water to keep the mixture from drying out.
8
Continue to cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the tomatoes have nearly disintegrated into a sauce-like consistency.
9
Serve the salad warm or cold, drizzled with a splash of vinegar for an extra zing, and enjoy with slices of crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Felfel B'tomatish?
Felfel B'tomatish is a vibrant Algerian salad featuring roasted green bell peppers and fresh vine-ripened tomatoes infused with garlic and olive oil.
How should I cook the green bell peppers?
You can grill, fry, or roast the green bell peppers until they are softened but still retain some structure.
How many peppers are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 large green bell peppers.
Why should I put the hot peppers in a plastic bag?
Placing the hot peppers in a sealed plastic bag for 5 minutes allows them to steam, which makes peeling the skins much easier.
How many tomatoes are required?
You will need 2 vine-ripened tomatoes for this dish.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The vine-ripened tomatoes should be diced before being added to the frying pan.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
Use 1-2 cloves of garlic, finely minced.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
What is the purpose of adding water during cooking?
A small amount of water is added to keep the mixture from drying out as it cooks.
How long does the final cooking process take?
The mixture should be cooked gently for about 15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the tomatoes form a sauce.
Can this salad be served cold?
Yes, the Algerian roasted pepper and tomato salad can be enjoyed either warm or cold.
What is a recommended serving accompaniment?
This salad pairs beautifully with slices of crusty bread.
Is vinegar a required ingredient?
Vinegar is optional and can be drizzled over the salad before serving to add an extra zing.
How should the peeled peppers be chopped?
The peppers should be chopped into pieces approximately 1-inch by 1/2-inch in size.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish made entirely of vegetables, oil, and seasonings.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy, Mediterranean-style dish focused on fresh vegetables and olive oil.
Can I use red bell peppers instead?
While the traditional recipe uses green bell peppers, you can experiment with other varieties for different flavor profiles.
What is the final texture of the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should nearly disintegrate into a sauce-like consistency by the end of the cooking process.
How much salt should I add?
Salt should be added to your personal taste during the sautéing process.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with straightforward preparation and cooking steps.
What is the origin of this dish?
This dish is a traditional Algerian salad.
Can this be served as part of a mezze platter?
Yes, it is an excellent addition to a mezze platter or served as a stand-alone side dish.
How much water is added to the pan?
Add 2-3 tablespoons of water as needed to maintain moisture while cooking.
What heat level should I use for sautéing?
Use medium heat to gently heat the olive oil and sauté the ingredients.
Should the garlic be minced or sliced?
The garlic cloves should be finely minced.
Should I remove the pepper seeds?
While the instructions focus on removing the skins, it is standard practice to discard the seeds when chopping the roasted peppers.
Can I grill the peppers on a BBQ?
Yes, grilling is one of the suggested methods and provides a perfect smoky undertone.
How long should I sauté the peppers and garlic initially?
Sauté them for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before adding the water and simmering.
Is this salad dairy-free?
Yes, it contains no dairy products.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, because it can be served cold, it is a great dish to prepare ahead of time.