Tunisian Kaftaji is a traditional street food that is a vibrant medley of fried vegetables, often served with eggs and seasoned with Tunisian spices. This dish is bursting with flavors from fried peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and zucchini, all brought together with a hint of spice and richness from the eggs. It’s a satisfying and comforting meal that perfectly captures the essence of Tunisian cuisine, offering a mix of savory, spicy, and earthy notes. Serve it with warm bread or on its own for a delicious and hearty experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp harissa paste (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced potatoes and fry until golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain.
- In the same pan, fry the zucchini until tender and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Next, fry the bell peppers and onions together until they soften and start to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they break down slightly.
- Reduce the heat to medium and return all the fried vegetables to the pan. Stir in the harissa (if using), cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Make four small wells in the vegetable mixture and crack an egg into each well. Cover the pan and cook until the eggs are set to your desired doneness, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Enjoy your Kaftaji as a flavorful and hearty main dish or as a unique side!
