Omek Houria: Tunisian Mashed Carrot Salad

Omek Houria: Tunisia’s mashed carrot salad — This appetizer consists of a mash of steamed carrots & garlic with a bunch of spices.

It is carrot season in Tunisia which means you can get a gorgeous and sweet bunch of carrots for a very reasonable price. And what can you make which such lovely carrots?

Omek Houria! This appetizer consists of a mash of steamed carrots & garlic with a bunch of spices. I’ve asked around how different people in Tunisia make it and I’ve heard two main versions.

The first method, which is how my mom and I make it, is done by steaming carrots and garlic until soft. Then, you mash the ingredients, add Harissa or Hrous, salt, coriander & caraway, and olive oil. You then top it with chunks of tuna, parsley, and minced green onions.

The second way is by making a thick sauce on the stove top with chunks of onions, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, and spices. That sauce is then mixed with the steamed mashed carrots and topped with the same other ingredients.

I recommend to pair the dish with two other Tunisian salads such as “Kafteji” and “Slata Mechouia” and serve with a grilled protein of your choice.

Carrots are a healthy root vegetable that everyone should include in their diet. This vegetable is rich in beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A in the body. It is also a good source of potassium, vitamin K, biotin, and vitamin B6. All of these nutrients are important for our health.

So next time you go grocery shopping, make sure to get yourself some carrots and make this simple and delicious appetizer. You will love it!

INGREDIENTS: (serves 4)

• 5 medium carrots
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 tsp of harissa/hrous (add more if you want more spiciness)
• 1/2 tsp coriander & caraway
• Salt
• Olive oil
• 2 tbsp of tuna (optional)
• Parsley & green onions to garnish (optional)

OMEK HOURIA RECIPE:

How to Cook Omek Houria

• Wash and cut the carrots into large chunks and git the garlic lengthwise. Place in a steamer pot and let steam for 15-20 min or until carrots are soft.
• Remove from steamer pot and place carrots in a bowl. Mash with a fork or masher until you get the desired consistency.
• Add the spices and olive oil. Mix well.
• Serve in a bowl and garnish with parsley, green onions, and tuna chunks (optional). Serve with warm bread. It can also be used as a sandwich spread.

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#TasteTunisia Initiative

This Tunisian mashed carrot salad recipe is part of the #TasteTunisia initiative. In search of Tunisian cuisine, through a series of articles/videos, Carthage Magazine offers a window to the Tunisian food and recipes.

The Taste Tunisia initiative is supported by Carthage Magazine and led by international registered dietitians-nutritionists from Tunisia, making it the ultimate initiative that celebrates and promotes Tunisian cuisine.

#TasteTunisia Recipes:

• The Best Authentic Tunisian Rice Dish — “Rouz Jerbi”
• Tajine El Bey: Tunisia’s Finest Appetizer
• Tunisia’s Traditional Mini Doughnuts: Kaa’k Yoyo
• Tunisian Stuffed Peppers: “Felfel Mehchi”
• Tunisian Mloukhiya, Your Grandma’s Favorite Dish
• Tunisia’s National Dish: COUSCOUS
• Tunisia’s Seafood Pasta — A Tunisian Delicacy
• The Coziest Vegetable Stew — Tunisia’s Go-To Dish for the Cold Months
• The Best Tunisian Grilled Salad — Salad Mechouia
• Date & Walnut Bread — The Perfect Healthy Dessert
• Lablebi: One of Tunisia’s Most Popular Street Foods
• Kafteji: a Healthy Version of your Favorite Tunisian Dish
• A Unique Pizza with a Taste of Tunisia: Harissa Infused Veggie Pizza
• Assidat Zgougou — Tunisia’s Sweetness in a Bowl
• Tunisia’s Octopus Salad: The Best Tunisian Seafood Salad
• The Traditional, Most Authentic Tunisian Pumpkin Shakshuka
• Tunisian Breakfast for Champions: “Zamit” with Pomegranate
• Tunisia’s Lentil Soup – Your Favorite Winter Warmer Dish
• All Tunisian food recipes.

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