Kafteji: Tunisian Vegetable Fritters with Spicy Harissa & Fried Eggs

At Mona’s Farm, we’re delighted to bring you the recipe for Kafteji, a beloved Tunisian dish that embodies the rich, bold flavors of North African cuisine. Often described as Tunisia's answer to a vegetable fritter or a veggie hash, Kaftejiis a colorful, satisfying mixture of fried potatoes, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and eggs. This dish is perfect for those who love hearty, flavorful meals that combine simple ingredients with powerful seasoning. Whether served as a main or alongside grilled meats like merguez sausages or liver, Kafteji is sure to please.

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (6 medium-sized)

• Onion (1 large)

• Eggplant (1 medium)

• Peppers (2 large, fresh)

• Eggs (6)

• Caraway (1 teaspoon, for that earthy, aromatic flavor)

• Harissa (to taste, North African hot paste)

• Salt (to taste)

• Olive Oil (for sautéing)

• Frying Oil (500 ml)

• Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

  
  

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into small, bite-sized cubes. Next, rinse and cube the eggplant and zucchini. Slice the onion thinly and cut the tomatoes in half.

Step 2: Fry the Potatoes

In a large frying pan, heat the frying oil. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed potatoes and cook until golden and tender. Be careful not to stir too much, as they might stick together. When cooked, remove the potatoes using a skimmer and place them on paper towels to drain. Transfer them to a large dish to keep them warm.

Step 3: Fry the Eggplant and Onion

In the same oil, add the eggplant and onion. Fry until they are tender and slightly browned. Once done, remove them from the oil with a skimmer and place them on paper towels to drain. Set aside in the same dish with the potatoes.

Step 4: Fry the Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Peppers

Now, add the zucchini to the pan and fry until golden. Remove with a skimmer and place on paper towels. Do the same with the tomatoes and peppers, cooking them until soft and slightly charred. Be sure to turn the tomatoes and peppers halfway through to cook both sides. Set everything aside in the serving dish.

Step 5: Fry the Eggs

In the same oil, fry the eggs one by one, making sure not to break the yolks. Cook them sunny-side up until the whites are crispy but the yolk is still runny. Gently flip them to cook the other side for a couple of minutes, ensuring the yolks remain intact.

Step 6: Assemble the Kafteji

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Gently mix all the fried vegetables (potatoes, eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers) in the serving dish. Add a teaspoon of caraway, salt to taste, and a dollop of harissa (add more or less depending on your heat preference).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the vegetables and spices are well-mixed, top with the fried eggs. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Kafteji can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to grilled meats or sausages. It’s also fantastic with a fresh, tangy salad on the side.

A Flavorful Story: The Heart of Tunisian Cuisine

Kafteji is one of those soul-satisfying dishes that speaks to the heart of Tunisian street food culture. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile—whether it’s served as a quick family meal or as part of a larger gathering. The fried potatoes and vegetables are complemented perfectly by the spicy harissa and aromatic caraway, giving the dish a punch of flavor. Eggs add richness, making this a filling meal on its own. Traditionally, Kafteji is served alongside grilled meats such as merguez (spicy sausage) or grilled liver, but it’s just as wonderful as a standalone vegetarian dish.

At Mona's Farm, we take pride in using only the freshest, organic ingredients to create authentic Tunisian recipes like this one. Our fresh parsley, high-quality olive oil, and locally sourced vegetables bring out the best in this hearty, flavorful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of flavorful, comforting meals with a little heat, Kafteji is the perfect dish for you. The combination of fried vegetables, eggs, and spicy harissa creates a dish that’s both rich and satisfying, while the caraway adds a unique aromatic twist. Whether you're making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, Kafteji is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, bring the bold and vibrant flavors of Tunisia to your table with this classic, delicious recipe. Made with love, and fresh, high-quality ingredients from Mona’s Farm, this dish will add a touch of North African warmth to your next meal.