Calentica is a popular dish that originates from the city of Oran, western Algeria. It is also known as the Hami because it is preferred to eat it hot (Hami means hot in the Oranic dialect). It is prepared mainly from ground chickpeas, water and eggs. It is also preferable to eat it with the addition of cumin and harissa, and the amount of oil and water varies from the capital to the Algerian west, where the quantity is more in the West. It is cooked in the oven after mixing the ingredients and served with or without loaf in the form of molds to be eaten directly. Because of its ease of preparation, its deliciousness, and the cheapness of the materials used, carnitia has become a staple food for all groups of people, poor or rich, and has spread throughout Algeria and even in France and Canada due to the heavy presence of the Algerian community.

Karentica is also known in Spain and France, but with different names and methods of preparation that differ only in quantity.