Tunisian Brik Pastry with Tuna and Egg
Dive into the heart of Tunisian cuisine with this traditional Brik Pastry recipe, a delightful blend of crispy dough filled with savory tuna and a perfectly runny egg. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a delicious mezze, or a satisfying dinner.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
Brik Pastry
- 4 large sheets brik pastry or phyllo dough as an alternative
Filling
- 1 can tuna in olive oil 5 ounces / 142 grams, drained and flaked
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped, about 75 grams
- 2 tbsp capers drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the flaked tuna, chopped onion, capers, and fresh parsley. Season the mixture with ground cumin, salt, and black pepper, and mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Heat a large frying pan with enough vegetable oil to cover the base over medium heat. While the oil is heating, lay out a sheet of brik pastry on a flat surface.
- Place a quarter of the tuna mixture onto the center of the brik pastry, creating a small well in the middle. Crack an egg into the well, being careful to keep the yolk intact.
- Carefully fold the brik pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape, sealing the edges by pressing them together gently. Repeat this process for the remaining brik sheets.
- Once the oil is hot, slide the filled brik pastry into the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the pastry is golden and crispy, and the egg inside is cooked but still slightly runny.
- Using a slotted spatula, transfer the cooked brik to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve the brik pastries hot, with a side of lemon wedges or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
If brik pastry is unavailable, phyllo dough can be used as a substitute; however, be sure to layer multiple sheets to achieve the desired thickness.
For a vegetarian option, omit the tuna and add additional vegetables such as spinach or grated zucchini.
Adjust the frying time if you prefer a softer or harder yolk in your egg.