Ojja is a flavorful Tunisian stew featuring tomatoes, peppers, onions, and eggs, often with the addition of spicy merguez sausage. This dish is a staple in Tunisian cuisine, reflecting the country's rich culinary heritage influenced by Mediterranean and North African flavors. Traditionally served for breakfast or as a hearty meal any time of day, Ojja offers a satisfying blend of savory ingredients and spices, making it a beloved comfort food enjoyed by many.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 4 tomatoes, diced
- 4 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2-4 merguez sausages, sliced
Method:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add bell peppers and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes and cook until they release their juices and start to break down, about 8-10 minutes.
- If using merguez sausage, add slices to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Create wells in the tomato mixture and crack eggs into each well.
- Season eggs with salt and pepper.
- Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness, about 5-7 minutes for runny yolks.
- Serve hot, with crusty bread or couscous if desired. Enjoy your spicy Ojja stew!
Nutrition Value:
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)-:
- Calories: 239 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin E (13% DV)
- Minerals: None
benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy; contains antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which may reduce inflammation.
Onion (1 medium, finely chopped):
- Calories: 44 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C (10% DV), Vitamin B6 (5% DV)
- Minerals: Potassium (6% DV)
benefits: Low in calories and fat, high in fiber and vitamin C, may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced):
- Calories: 8 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C (3% DV)
- Minerals: Manganese (2% DV)
benefits: Contains allicin, a compound with potential health benefits, such as boosting immune function and reducing blood pressure.
Bell Peppers (2 medium, diced):
- Calories: 46 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 6 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C (318% DV), Vitamin A (93% DV), Vitamin B6 (15% DV)
- Minerals: Potassium (9% DV)
benefits: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, may support eye health and immune function.
Tomatoes (4 medium, diced):
- Calories: 86 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C (56% DV), Vitamin A (42% DV), Vitamin K (24% DV)
- Minerals: Potassium (18% DV)
benefits: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant associated with reduced risk of certain cancers; good source of vitamin C and potassium.
Eggs (4 large):
- Calories: 312 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 308 mg
- Cholesterol: 844 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin D (22% DV), Vitamin B12 (33% DV)
- Minerals: Iron (8% DV)
benefits: Excellent source of protein and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and vitamin B12.
Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Nutritional content varies based on usage; generally low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates; salt is a source of sodium which should be consumed in moderation.
Merguez Sausages (2-4, optional):
- Nutritional content varies based on brand and serving size; typically high in calories, fat, and sodium; good source of protein.
benefits: Provides protein, B vitamins, and minerals, but may be high in saturated fat and sodium, so should be consumed in moderation.
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