Rechta (Algerian Noodles in Chicken and Turnip Sauce)
Local name: رشتة
In short: Thin steamed noodles piled under chicken, turnips and chickpeas in a light white sauce scented with cinnamon, an Algerian family celebration dish. It takes about 1 h 35 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h 10 min
- Total
- 1 h 35 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 620 kcal
Rechta are long, thin, flat wheat noodles that Algerian families cook for celebrations and Sunday lunches. Traditionally the noodles are made by hand, steamed over the pot and served with chicken, turnips and chickpeas in a pale sauce scented with cinnamon and black pepper. The sauce is thin and savory, not thick, and it is ladled over the noodles at the table. Thin tagliatelle works well if you cannot find rechta.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion with the garlic for 6 minutes, then add the chicken and brown lightly for 5 minutes.
- Add the cinnamon stick, pepper, salt and water. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the turnips, carrots and chickpeas. Simmer for 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through (74°C / 165°F). The sauce should be light and brothy.
- Boil the noodles in salted water for 4 to 5 minutes until barely tender. Drain and toss with the 1 tbsp oil.
- Put the noodles in a colander or steamer set over the sauce pot, cover and steam for 10 minutes so they finish cooking and take on the scent of the sauce.
- Pile the noodles on a platter and ladle over some sauce. Arrange the chicken and vegetables on top, sprinkle with cinnamon and coriander, and serve with the remaining sauce.
Tips
- If you find dried rechta, skip the boiling. Moisten it with a little water, rub it between your hands and steam it over the sauce for about 20 minutes.
- For a richer sauce, stir 1 tbsp olive oil into the pot just before serving. Harissa on the side suits anyone who wants heat.
Questions and answers
What is rechta?
Rechta are thin, flat, long wheat noodles, traditionally made by hand and dried. In Algeria they are served with chicken and a turnip and chickpea sauce.
Is rechta spicy?
No. The sauce is mild and savory, seasoned with cinnamon and black pepper. Serve harissa at the table for those who like heat.
Can I make rechta ahead?
Make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and reheat it. Cook and steam the noodles fresh, because they stick together when stored.
How long does it take to make Rechta (Algerian Noodles in Chicken and Turnip Sauce)?
About 1 h 35 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Rechta (Algerian Noodles in Chicken and Turnip Sauce)?
About 620 kcal per serving, with 42 g of protein, 70 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 620 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
