Tunisian Brik-Style Eggs

This dish hails from Tunisia, a North African country that borders the Mediterranean. Tender chunks of potato and a perfectly cooked egg are tucked inside crisp, flaky phyllo dough pastry with tangy feta and an easy, irresistible harissa sauce. These individual packets would be a brilliant first course for a Moroccan or Middle Eastern–style dinner, perhaps served with hummus, tabbouleh salad, and roasted fish or lamb. Don't be intimidated by the assembling of the packets—think of it as creating an envelope for the filling, with a nest in the middle to hold the egg.

Hands-on Time    45 Mins
Total Time     55 Mins
Yield
Serves 4 (serving size: 1 phyllo packet, 3 tablespoons harissa, and 1 tablespoon cilantro)

Ingredients
Harissa: 

• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 
• 1 teaspoon ground ancho chile pepper 
• 3/4 cup chopped bottled roasted red bell peppers 
• 2 tablespoons water 
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar 
• 1 garlic clove, crushed 

Brik: 

• 2 cups (1-inch) cubed Yukon gold potato (about 12 ounces) 
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional) 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions 
• 4 (13 x 18-inch) sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed Cooking spray 
• 4 large eggs, chilled 
• 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup) 
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 
• 1 large egg white 
• 1 teaspoon water 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make It
Step 1
To prepare harissa, place caraway and cumin seeds in a small skillet over medium-high heat; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Place seed mixture, ancho chile pepper, and next 4 ingredients (through garlic) in a blender; process until smooth.

Step 2
To prepare brik, place potatoes in a saucepan; cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes or until just tender. Drain.

Step 3
Preheat oven to 450°.

Step 4
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; swirl to coat. Add potatoes, turmeric, salt, and ground red pepper (if desired); sauté 6 minutes or until edges are crisp. Add parsley and green onions; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; cool 5 minutes.

Step 5
Place 1 sheet of phyllo dough on a large cutting board or work surface (cover remaining phyllo to prevent drying); coat phyllo with cooking spray. Fold sheet in half like a book. Coat bottom third of phyllo with cooking spray (narrow end should be facing you). Fold bottom third up. Arrange 1/4 of the potatoes in a circle in center of the bottom (folded) third of the phyllo, creating a nest for the egg. Crack 1 egg into center of potatoes. Sprinkle 1/4 of feta over egg. Sprinkle with black pepper. Fold top third of phyllo over egg, potatoes, and cheese, folding in sides to form a packet. Place packet on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Repeat with remaining phyllo, potatoes, eggs, cheese, and black pepper. Combine egg white and 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Brush phyllo packets with egg white mixture. Bake at 450° for 9 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Spoon harissa evenly over brik, and sprinkle with cilantro.



source: www.myrecipes.com