Refis is an important traditional dish in Shawia cuisine, prepared by the Shawia women using wheat or barley flour. The woman begins by baking a flatbread with this flour, then she breaks it or crushes it into small pieces. After that, the flatbread is sprinkled with honey and melted rancid butter to add a rich traditional flavor, and sometimes dates are added to the refis to intensify the sweetness and enhance the taste.Refis is one of the dishes served at all celebrations and occasions, where it is considered a symbol of Shawia generosity and hospitality. Refis is a central part of the food served during family gatherings and festive occasions in the Aurès mountains.It is not just a dish, but a part of the cultural identity, reflecting customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. This meal is simple and humble in its ingredients, but the flavors it produces give it a special place in the hearts of the Shawia people.

📘: La femme Chaouia de l'Aurès by Mathéa Guadry, p. 180