Omek Houria – Traditional Tunisian Recipe

It is one of the great classics of Tunisian kemia. Omek houria (أمك حورية), which is called terchi in certain regions such as Djerba, is a generally spicy carrot salad. It consists of boiled carrots, crushed into a coarse puree, garlic and harissa.

In the majority of cases, it is garnished with tuna, hard-boiled egg, olives and olive oil. Many people also add capers to this delicious omek houria.

What is kemia?

Kemia (الكمية), literally meaning “small quantity” in Maghrebi dialect Arabic, is an assortment of appetizers that is served as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to drinks on all Tunisian bistro counters.

Eggplant zaalouk, méchouia, banatages, fricassés, egg and/or tuna bricks, minina, zucchini ajlouk are all specialties, to name a few, that Tunisians enjoy as a kemia, accompanied by Italian Tunisian bread and the essential harissa.

In Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, kemia is an assortment that is also served at the start of a meal. Some even make a whole meal out of it.

There are then a number of foods such as: roasted or boiled almonds, pistachios, peanuts, chickpeas, olives, tuna, beans, potatoes.

Kemia is the equivalent of the famous Spanish tapas or mezze of the Levantine and Mediterranean cuisines.

What are the origins of omek houria?

The Arabic name of this salad means “Mother Houria” and most certainly identifies the person who invented it. Note that Houria is a first name that means “fairy”.

Indeed, in Tunisia, an urban legend says that it was a mermaid who prepared this salad for the first time. Her name was Houria (حورية). She used to dye her hair with henna. The resulting orange color was reminiscent of carrots, which is how this salad got its name.

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

The 20th best salad in the world

According to TasteAtlas, one of the most popular experiential travel guides on traditional cuisine, among a panel of 50 best salads from different countries, Omek Houria was voted 22nd best salad in 2022.

In the last ranking, dating from April 2023, omek Houria gained 2 places, moving to 20th place.

TasteAtlas brings together authentic recipes, food reviews and research articles on popular ingredients and dishes.

This side dish has become one of the most popular Tunisian dishes and is prepared very frequently, especially during the holidays and Ramadan in particular.

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