Beverages : Brik - how to make this North African pastry

 

Brik is a popular Tunisian dish consisting of thin pastry filled with various savory ingredients and then fried until crispy. The most common filling includes an egg, tuna, capers, and parsley, but other variations may include meat, cheese, and vegetables. The pastry used is called malsouka or brick pastry, similar to phyllo dough but sturdier and more pliable. Brik is often served as an appetizer or a snack and is particularly enjoyed during Ramadan.

### How to Prepare Brik in Detail

#### Ingredients

- 4 sheets of brik or phyllo pastry

- 4 eggs

- 1 can (about 5-6 oz) of tuna in oil, drained and flaked

- 2 tablespoons capers, drained

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

- Salt to taste

- Vegetable oil for frying

- Lemon wedges for serving

#### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Filling:**

   - In a bowl, mix the flaked tuna, capers, chopped parsley, ground black pepper, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. Ensure the ingredients are well combined.

2. **Prepare the Pastry:**

   - If using phyllo dough, cut the sheets into squares about 10-12 inches on each side. If using brik pastry, it should be ready to use as is.

3. **Assemble the Brik:**

   - Place one sheet of pastry on a clean, flat surface. Spoon a quarter of the tuna mixture onto the center of the pastry.

   - Make a small well in the center of the filling and carefully crack an egg into the well. Be cautious not to break the yolk.

4. **Fold the Pastry:**

   - Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or square, depending on the shape of your pastry. Press the edges together to seal. If necessary, use a little water to help seal the edges.

5. **Heat the Oil:**

   - In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the briks when frying. The oil should be hot but not smoking, around 350°F (175°C).

6. **Fry the Brik:**

   - Carefully slide the assembled brik into the hot oil. Fry until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to flip the brik halfway through the frying process.

7. **Drain and Serve:**

   - Remove the brik from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining pastry sheets and filling.

8. **Serve:**

   - Serve the brik hot with lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the brik before eating enhances the flavor.

### Additional Tips

- **Variations:** Experiment with different fillings such as minced meat, cooked potatoes, cheese, or sautéed vegetables.

- **Frying:** Be careful when frying the brik to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry one or two at a time to maintain the oil temperature.

- **Baking Alternative:** If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the brik in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.

By following these steps, you can make delicious and crispy brik that captures the essence of Tunisian cuisine. Enjoy this delightful snack or appetizer with friends and family.