Chtitha Lham / Djaj (Algiers Red Garlic, Cumin & Chickpea Meat Braise) – Authentic Algeria Recipe

Ingredients for Chtitha Lham / Djaj (Algiers Red Garlic, Cumin & Chickpea Meat Braise) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) chicken thighs or beef cubes, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup crusty bread
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with dersa paste (mashed garlic
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Algeria seasoning (cumin, sweet & hot red pepper, coriander), olive oil)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown chicken thighs or beef cubes for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, dersa paste (mashed garlic, and cumin, sweet & hot red pepper, coriander), olive oil, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add cooked chickpeas and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in crusty bread right before serving warm.