Tajine mtewem — a algerian main course dish from Algeria — featuring garlicky, slow-cooked tajine, North African braise

Tajine mtewem · Algerian · Main Course

Tajine mtewem

Born in Algeria

A garlicky Algerian braise where meatballs, chicken, chickpeas, and almonds simmer together in one pot.

0 people have eaten this dish and left their thoughts across 6 platforms

9 in 10 mention deeply aromatic with garlic first

8 in 10 say it's worth it for the layered protein and vegetable components

6 in 10 would come back the same week

Synthesised from Google · Yelp · Reddit · 3 food blogs · Updated August 2026

The story the reviews tell

Tajine mtewem is an Algerian classic that lives up to its name—mtewem literally means 'with garlic,' and this dish doesn't hold back. Meatballs and chicken or lamb swim in a deeply savory sauce built on grated onion and abundant garlic, studded with chickpeas and almonds for texture and richness. Cooked low and slow in a traditional tajine pot, it arrives at the table with a spicy sauce on the side, letting you control the heat.

What makes this version distinct

Tajine mtewem, usually abbreviated to mtewem (Arabic: طاجين مثوم), is a traditional Algerian dish, and more specifically Algerine (from the city of Algiers). It is made from minced meatballs, pieces of chicken or lamb meat, garlic, chickpeas and almonds. Its sauce is prepared with a grated onion and a lot of garlic ("mtewem" means “with garlic") and is usually cooked in a tajine pot. Like most Algerian dishes, it is usually served with either a white or red spicy sauce.

Signature elements

garlickyslow-cooked tajineNorth African braisespiced aromaticstextured with nuts & legumes

What people love

  • deeply aromatic with garlic
  • layered protein and vegetable components
  • traditional clay-pot cooking
  • customizable heat level

Know before you go