Libyan Fricassé Sandwich
A popular street food, this Libyan Fricassé is a soft, fried bun filled with a savory mixture of tuna, boiled eggs, olives, potatoes, and a spicy harissa paste. It's a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 1 sachet (2.25 tsp) Active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 cup Warm water(plus more if needed)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil(for dough, plus more for frying)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 can (drained) Tuna
- 3 large Eggs(hard-boiled and chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(boiled and diced)
- 0.5 cup Black olives(pitted and chopped)
- 2-3 tbsp Harissa paste(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Parsley(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar. Add 1 cup of warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and let rest for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
- 2
Add olive oil and salt to the dough. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time.
- 3
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- 4
While the dough rises, prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced boiled potatoes, chopped olives, harissa paste, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
- 5
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval bun. You can roll them out and cut with a round cutter, then shape into ovals, or freehand shape them.
- 6
Heat about 2 inches of neutral oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- 7
Carefully fry the buns in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed up. Drain on paper towels.
- 8
Once cooled slightly, slice each bun lengthwise, creating a pocket. Fill generously with the prepared tuna mixture. Serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying to achieve a light and airy bun.
- ✓Adjust the amount of harissa to your preferred level of spice.
- ✓The filling can be customized with other ingredients like capers or roasted peppers.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Bake the buns instead of frying for a healthier option (though this will alter the texture).
- Use shredded chicken or spiced ground beef as an alternative filling.