In brief
- Egg brick is a fried Tunisian pastry: a thin brick pastry sheet filled with tuna, potatoes and a whole egg whose yolk stays runny
- Origin: Tunisia
- Essential ingredients: brick pastry sheets, eggs, tuna, potatoes, parsley
- An emblematic specialty of Tunisian cuisine, served as a hot starter
Origins and cultural history of Tunisian egg brick
Brick pastry, called malsouka or warka in Tunisia, is a very thin dough made from wheat semolina, cooked on a heated round griddle. According to some sources, its use goes back to the nomadic cultures of the Maghreb, who needed foods that were easy to carry and quick to cook.
Filled with a whole egg, tuna and potatoes then fried, egg brick is among the most emblematic specialties of Tunisian cuisine, served as a hot starter both at home and in street food stalls.
What are the essential ingredients of Tunisian egg brick
The filling combines a base of mashed potatoes with canned tuna and fresh herbs, wrapped around a whole egg before frying.
- brick pastry sheets (malsouka)
- eggs
- tuna in water, canned
- potatoes
- parsley
- capers
Nutritional values of Tunisian egg brick
Per 100 g, a hard-boiled egg provides about 155 kcal, 13 g of protein and 11 g of fat. Tuna in water, drained, provides about 116 kcal and 25.5 g of protein, for less than 1 g of fat, according to nutritional composition tables.
Frequently asked questions about Tunisian egg brick
How do you get a runny egg yolk in the brick?
Heat the oil over high heat and slide in the brick for just 2 to 3 minutes on each side, enough time to brown the pastry: a short, brisk cooking time keeps the yolk runny. For a more cooked yolk, extend the cooking time slightly over medium heat.
Can the egg brick filling be prepared in advance?
Yes. The mashed potato, tuna and herb mixture can be prepared several hours ahead and kept in the refrigerator. Assembling and cooking the egg, however, should be done just before serving, to keep the pastry sheet crisp.
Where to find the ingredients for Tunisian egg brick in France?
NKOSI sells the harissa and onion powder for this recipe and ships them from the Paris area within 24 to 72 working hours, to mainland France (2 to 3 working days) and to ten European countries. The minimum order is 39 €: in France, delivery to a pickup point is then free, and home delivery is free from 69 €.
