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

    Same dish, different world

    Read the full story →

    Hearty Bean/Lentil/Chickpea Stew — A thick, savory stew primarily featuring legumes (beans, lentils, or chickpeas) often with meat, slow-simmered with aromatics and spices.

    Olla podrida, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Olla podrida

    A Spanish stew made with chickpeas or beans, assorted meats, and vegetables.

    Red Peas Soup, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Red Peas Soup

    Kidney beans are simmered with beef, root vegetables, and spices into a hearty soup.

    Harira, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Harira

    A tomato-based soup thickened with lentils, chickpeas, and lamb, spiced with ginger and turmeric.

    Ritschert, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Ritschert

    A thick soup with pot barley, beans, vegetables, and cured pork.

    Croatian Bean Stew, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Croatian Bean Stew

    Cannellini beans are stewed with tomatoes, aromatics, and chorizo.

    Leblebi Soup, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Leblebi Soup

    A chickpea soup seasoned with cumin, garlic, and harissa spice.

    Feijoada

    Black beans are simmered for hours with various cuts of pork until rich and thick.

    Oxtail with broad beans, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Oxtail with broad beans

    Oxtail is slow-cooked with broad beans and aromatic spices.

    Ezogelin soup, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Ezogelin soup

    A common soup made primarily from red lentils, rice, and bulgur with tomato and spices.

    Ful Medames, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Ful Medames

    Stewed broad beans, typically dressed with olive oil, lemon, and cumin.

    Misir Wat, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Misir Wat

    A thick, rust-colored stew of red lentils simmered with berbere spice and caramelized onions.

    Dalcha, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Dalcha

    A lentil-based stew, often including vegetables or meat, with a rich spice profile.

    Jota (food), the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Jota (food)

    A soup made with beans, sauerkraut or sour turnip, potatoes, and often bacon or spare ribs.

    Tavče gravče, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Tavče gravče

    A traditional baked bean casserole, often prepared with meat.

    Koshari, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Koshari

    A layered dish featuring brown lentils, rice, macaroni, and chickpeas, often topped with fried onions and a tomato sauce.

    Corba, the  version of hearty bean/lentil/chickpea stew

    Corba

    A Turkish lentil soup, typically made with red lentils, onions, carrots, tomato paste, and various spices like cumin and mint.

    Tried this dish? Show us.

    If you love this, you might love: