Tunisian Spiced Cucurucho

Ingredients

In this Tunisian adaptation of Cucurucho, we replace the traditional Mexican ingredients with Tunisian flavors. The ground beef is substituted with ground lamb, which adds a rich and distinct taste. The spices are also modified to include Tunisian staples like cumin, coriander, and harissa, giving the dish a unique North African flair. Additionally, preserved lemon and fresh herbs such as mint and parsley are added to elevate the flavors and provide a refreshing twist. We alse have the original recipe for Cucurucho, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) ground lamb 1 cup (200g) ground lamb
• 1 cup (200g) cooked chickpeas 1 cup (200g) cooked chickpeas
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon harissa paste 1 teaspoon harissa paste
• 1 preserved lemon, finely chopped 1 preserved lemon, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large tortillas 4 large tortillas

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. 3.
   Stir in the cooked chickpeas, ground cumin, ground coriander, and harissa paste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. 4.
   Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the preserved lemon, fresh mint, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
7. 7.
   Place a tortilla on a clean surface and spoon a generous amount of the lamb and chickpea mixture onto one side of the tortilla.
8. 8.
   Roll the tortilla tightly into a cone shape, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
9. 9.
   Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
10. 10.
    Place the filled tortilla cones on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Preserved lemon — Rinse the preserved lemon under cold water to remove excess saltiness before finely chopping it for the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of harissa paste according to your taste.
• Serve the Tunisian Spiced Cucurucho with a side of Tunisian salad for a complete meal.
• You can substitute ground lamb with ground beef or chicken if desired.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground lamb with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
• Experiment with different herbs such as cilantro or dill to customize the flavors to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Tunisian Spiced Cucurucho as a main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany it with a fresh salad and a dollop of Tunisian harissa sauce for an extra kick.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden brown Tunisian Spiced Cucuruchos on a platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of paprika. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any table.