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Garantita is a popular Algerian street food that is consumed as a snack and prepared as a kind of cake or tart.
Garantita has become this popular food with a special place in everyone’s heart, due to its taste and ease of preparation.
Origin of Garantita
La Garantita, or more commonly known as Calentica in Oran, originates from this city but was invented by the Spaniards.
The legend says that it would be a preparation resulting from a chance. Spanish soldiers, present at the fort of Santa Cruz in the 18th century, would one day have run out of provisions.
All they had left was chickpea flour, water and oil. Faced with this situation, the cook had the idea to mix these foods, which resulted in a hot dish hence the name given to it.
It is the poor man’s sandwich or as called in Algiers el kebda el beida (white liver) it is eaten with harissa and powdered cumin.
The recipe is relatively simple and very easy to prepare, a gluten-free dish that can be enjoyed all year round.
Garantita Recipe
Prepared from ground chickpeas and eggs, this recipe is among the most famous dishes in Algeria, as you will not find a “fast” restaurant in Algiers that does not offer it to customers.
The dough is made with a combination of chickpea flour, oil, spices, and water. It is then covered with a beaten egg and baked in the oven until golden brown. It is typically served hot, dressed with harissa and cumin.
Depending on the region, its name differs, we find it under the name of Garantita (Algerian), karantita, calentica, karen, or el hami (western Algeria).
Algerians like to taste it in half a baguette, sprinkled with salt, pepper and cumin. For lovers of the spicy taste, they add Harissa (mashed red peppers).
The rule is that this recipe is always eaten hot and never cold! For a complete menu, a good lemonade made in Algeria would be ideal!
Be Sure to Try These Other Authentic Algerian dishes!
Be sure to recreate this incredible Algerian street food. Bon appétit!
GARANTITA (ALGERIAN CHICKPEA PIE)
Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpea flour
- 4 cups water
- 1 ⁄2 cup oil not olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 ⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg beaten
- ground cumin for sprinkling
- harissa optional
Instructions
- Combine flour, water, oil, salt and pepper in food processor until mixture is smooth.
- Pour into glass or metal pan at least 6x10-inch.
- Pour the beaten egg over.
- Bake 375° for 1 hour or until top becomes golden.
- Sprinkle with cumin.
- Slice and serve on baguette with harissa or other hot sauce.
