Mediterranean > Tunisia > Briks Tunisian Pastry

Brik with Ground Beef and Harissa Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 sheets of brik pastry
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp. harissa paste
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Slotted spoon
- Pastry brush

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef, harissa paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and let the beef mixture cool slightly.
4. Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and beat them lightly.
5. Lay out a sheet of brik pastry on a clean work surface. Spoon a few tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the center of the pastry.
6. Fold the pastry in half to form a triangle. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to seal.
7. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
8. Carefully place the brik triangle into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Use a slotted spoon to remove the brik from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. Repeat steps 5-9 with the remaining brik pastry and beef mixture.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for frying pan
Serving size:
6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 400
Fat: 25g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 350mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- If harissa paste is not available, substitute with a mixture of chili powder and tomato paste.

Variations:
- Add chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to the beef mixture for added flavor.
- Serve with a side of tzatziki or hummus for dipping.

Tips and tricks:
- Be careful not to overfill the brik pastry or it may burst open during frying.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove excess oil from the brik after frying.
- Brik can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Storage instructions:
Brik can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place brik in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
Serve brik on a platter with a side of tzatziki or hummus for dipping.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped fresh parsley.

Pairings:
Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
Tzatziki, hummus, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the brik pastry is too dry, brush with a little water before folding to help it stick together.
- If the brik bursts open during frying, try using less filling or sealing the edges more securely with beaten egg.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Use caution when frying with hot oil to avoid burns.

Food history:
Brik is a popular Tunisian street food that is traditionally filled with egg, tuna, or vegetables. This recipe adds ground beef and harissa for a spicy twist.

Flavor profiles:
Spicy, savory, and crispy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or main dish with a side of tzatziki or hummus for dipping.

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Region: Tunisian

Taste: Spicy, Savory, Tangy, Herby, Aromatic