Cherchem

Cherchem is an Algerian dish that is traditionally served during the Berber New Year celebrations in certain parts of the country. It is also prepared when a newborn begins to gnaw on his or her teeth. It's popular in Morocco, Mauritania, Algeria, and a number of other African countries. The recipe includes water, oregano, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, ground coriander, and other spices. The meal can be served either lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup whole wheat, soaked for 48 hours in water, 1/2 cup dried Fava beans, soaked for 48 hours in water, 1/2 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight and rinsed, 1 small onion, chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp chopped parsley plus more for serving, 1 tbsp chopped cilantro plus more for serving, 1 bay leaf, 1 medium tomato, grated, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt or to taste, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp ginger powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp Ras Al Hanout, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp coriander powder, 2 tbsp olive oil About 3 chili peppers or any other type of hot peppers.

Instructions

• Soak the whole wheat for 48 hours in water. Make sure to change water after 24 hours.
• Soak the Fava beans for 48 hours in water. Make sure to change water after 24 hours.
• Soak the chickpeas overnight then rinse.
• Put olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
• Add salt, pepper, ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, paprika,Ras Al Hanout then stir for about a minute.
• Mix in the tomato paste and add grated tomato, parsley, cilantro and the bay leaf. Let cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add the rinsed whole wheat and Fava beans.
• Pour in boiled water to cover everything.
• Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and let cook covered for about 45 minutes.
• In meanwhile, cook the chickpeas in a slightly salted water for about 30 minutes or until fully cooked. Set aside.
• Once the whole wheat and Fava beans are cooked, add the cooked chickpeas with its water.
• Add chili peppers if you like.
• Adjust the seasoning and let cook for about 5 minutes. The sauce should be reduced at this point.
• Serve garnished with cilantro or parsley or both.