Snack · Lunch · Mediterranean · African ·

Tunisian Fricassé with Harissa and Capers

Name: Tunisian Fricassé with Harissa and Capers
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Snack
Ingredients: All-purpose flour, 3 ½ cups; Active dry yeast, 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp); Sugar, 1 tbsp; Warm water, 1 cup; Vegetable oil, ¼ cup; Salt, 1 tbsp; Canned tuna, 200g, drained; Potatoes, 3 medium, boiled and diced; Hard-boiled eggs, 3, chopped; Capers, 1/4 cup, rinsed; Black olives, 1/4 cup, pitted and sliced; Harissa paste, 2 tbsp; Vegetable oil, 2 cups; Lemon wedges; Fresh parsley, chopped

Tunisian Fricassé is a beloved street food featuring golden-brown fried rolls filled with a savory blend of tuna, capers, olives, potatoes, eggs, and harissa sauce.

4.1(263 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 28, 2025

Tunisian Fricassé with Harissa and Capers — Snack served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Dough

For the Filling

For Frying

For Serving

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 1161 kcal
Protein: 21.5 g
Carbs: 78.33 g
Fat: 85.33 g
Fiber: 4.33 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 6965 kcal
Protein: 129 g
Carbs: 470 g
Fat: 512 g
Fiber: 26 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
All-purpose flour 3 ½ cups	1600	44	340	4	12
Active dry yeast 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp)	20	3	2	0	2
Sugar 1 tbsp	50	0	13	0	0
Warm water 1 cup	0	0	0	0	0
Vegetable oil ¼ cup	480	0	0	55	0
Salt 1 tbsp	0	0	0	0	0
Canned tuna 200g, drained	220	50	0	1	0
Potatoes 3 medium, boiled and diced	450	12	102	0	9
Hard-boiled eggs 3, chopped	210	18	1	15	0
Capers 1/4 cup, rinsed	10	1	2	0	1
Black olives 1/4 cup, pitted and sliced	50	0	3	5	1
Harissa paste 2 tbsp	30	1	6	0	1
Vegetable oil 2 cups	3840	0	0	432	0
Lemon wedges	0	0	0	0	0
Fresh parsley, chopped	5	0	1	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Dough

1
Proof yeast
In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5 minutes or until foamy.
2
Mix dry ingredients and add liquids
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.
3
Knead and rise
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour.
Tip: For a fluffier bread, be sure to let the dough rise in a warm place.

Preparing the Filling

1
Combine ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, capers, olives, and harissa.
2
Mix gently
Mix gently until well incorporated. Cover and set aside.
3
Check seasoning
Check seasoning and adjust with salt and additional harissa if desired.

How to Make Tunisian Fricassé with Harissa and Capers

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 6 servings

1
Fry the Bread
Divide the dough into 12 pieces; shape each into an oval. Heat the oil in a large pan and fry until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
2
Fill the Fricassé
Once cooled, slice each Fricassé halfway open and fill with the prepared tuna mixture.
3
Final Assembly
Add more harissa to taste and a squeeze of lemon juice.