About this dish
Kalentika is a traditional Algerian street food made from chickpea flour, baked or cooked into a dense, custard-like cake that is golden on the outside and soft within. It is typically served hot, sliced, and eaten as a snack or light meal, often accompanied by bread, harissa, and cumin.
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Ingredients
🫘250g chickpea flour (besan)
💧1 litre cold water
🥚2 large eggs
🫒60ml olive oil
🧂1 teaspoon salt
🌶️Harissa, to serve
🫙Ground cumin, to serve
🍞Crusty bread or baguette, to serve
Method
Serves 41
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan / 400°F). Lightly grease a round or rectangular baking dish with olive oil.2
In a large bowl, whisk the chickpea flour with a small amount of the cold water to form a smooth, lump-free paste.3
Gradually add the remaining water, whisking continuously to ensure the batter stays smooth and fully combined.4
Add the eggs, olive oil, and salt to the batter and whisk until everything is well incorporated.5
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. The mixture should be fairly thin and liquid at this stage.6
Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the centre is set but still slightly soft and custardy.7
Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing into wedges or squares — it firms up slightly as it rests.8
Serve hot, accompanied by harissa, a sprinkle of cumin, and crusty bread.✓ What Makes it Authentic
Kalentika is strongly associated with western Algeria, particularly the city of Oran, where it has long been a beloved street food staple. It is commonly sold by vendors throughout the day and is especially popular as a quick, inexpensive, and filling snack. The dish shares similarities with other North African and Mediterranean chickpea preparations, reflecting the broader culinary connections of the region.
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