clintonbee
Novice Foodie
I recently made Tunisian Fricassee, and it was a delightful culinary adventure! These flavorful fried dough balls are typically stuffed with a savory mixture of tuna, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, making them a delicious snack or appetizer. Here’s how you can prepare this tasty dish at home:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup warm water (more if needed)
For the Filling:
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and chopped (green olives can be used as well)
- 1 tablespoon capers, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon harissa or chili paste (optional, for a spicy kick)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the olive oil and warm water, and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flaked tuna, chopped hard-boiled eggs, olives, capers (if using), parsley, salt, pepper, and harissa (if desired). Mix well to combine.
3. Shape the Fricassee:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges to seal well. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
4. Fry the Fricassee:
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the fricassee when frying.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add a few fricassee at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fricassee from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Tunisian Fricassee warm, as a snack or appetizer. They are delicious on their own or with a side of harissa for dipping.
Conclusion
Tunisian Fricassee is a wonderful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore North African cuisine. The combination of crispy dough with a savory filling makes these bites absolutely irresistible. Enjoy making them at home and experience a taste of Tunisia!
