Tunisian Stuffed Peppers (Felfel Mehchi): A Spicy Pillar of North African Cuisine

Tunisian stuffed peppers, known locally as “Felfel Mehchi” (فلفل محشي), are a celebrated staple of Tunisian home cooking and festive meals. This dish exemplifies the country’s vibrant culinary identity, combining elements from Mediterranean, Arab, and Berber traditions. While stuffed vegetables are found throughout the Middle East and North Africa, the Tunisian version stands out for its bold use of spices, hearty fillings, and regional twists.

What Is Felfel Mehchi?

Felfel Mehchi literally means “stuffed pepper” in Arabic. In Tunisia, it refers specifically to green bell peppers or sometimes longer chili varieties, which are hollowed out and filled with a savory stuffing. The dish can be baked, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, or fried before finishing in the oven, depending on the region or family recipe.

Traditional Stuffing

The core of felfel mehchi lies in its filling. The most traditional stuffing includes:

• Ground meat (usually beef or lamb)

• Cooked rice or bulgur wheat

• Onions and garlic

• Tomato paste or fresh tomatoes

• Spices such as tabil (a uniquely Tunisian blend of coriander, caraway, garlic, and chili powder), cumin, and harissa (hot chili paste)

• Fresh herbs like parsley and mint

• Sometimes eggs are added to bind the mixture

This mixture is spooned into the cleaned peppers, which are then either simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce or roasted until tender and infused with flavor.

Variations Across Tunisia

• In coastal regions, seafood like shrimp or tuna is sometimes added to the stuffing.

• In southern Tunisia, the dish can be spicier, using hotter peppers and more harissa.

• Some families incorporate bread crumbs or even cheese into the mixture for richness.

Serving and Cultural Significance

Felfel Mehchi is usually served as a main dish, accompanied by bread or couscous. It’s a popular meal during family gatherings, Ramadan iftars, and weekend lunches. The dish reflects the Tunisian love for layered flavors, heat, and aromatic ingredients, all of which are deeply embedded in the nation’s cultural and culinary DNA.

Nutritional Value

The dish is protein-rich, balanced with vegetables, and can be adapted for health-conscious diets by using lean meat, whole grains, or even replacing meat with lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Tunisian stuffed peppers are more than just a delicious dish — they’re a culinary tradition passed down through generations. Whether mild or spicy, meaty or vegetarian, felfel mehchi continues to be a cornerstone of Tunisian cuisine and an ambassador of the country’s rich gastronomic culture.