Tunisian-inspired Spiced Ants

Ingredients

In this Tunisian adaptation, we replace the Colombian dish's traditional ingredients with Tunisian spices and flavors. The original hormiga culona is used as a key ingredient, adding a unique texture and taste to the dish. The spices used in Tunisian cuisine, such as cumin, coriander, and harissa, are incorporated to create a distinct flavor profile that reflects the vibrant Tunisian culinary tradition. We alse have the original recipe for Hormiga culona, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (150g) hormiga culona (dried ants) 1 cup (150g) hormiga culona (dried ants)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves 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 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried hormiga culona under cold water to remove any impurities. Set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the dried hormiga culona to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the ground cumin, ground coriander, harissa paste, and paprika over the ants. Stir well to coat evenly.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
7. 7.
   Serve hot as a unique and flavorful appetizer or as a topping for Tunisian-inspired dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Hormiga culona — Ensure that the dried ants are thoroughly rinsed before cooking to remove any impurities. Be cautious of any allergies or sensitivities to insect consumption.

Tips & Tricks

• If hormiga culona is not available, you can substitute it with toasted sesame seeds for a similar crunchy texture.
• Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Serve the Spiced Ants with warm Tunisian bread for an authentic experience.
• Experiment with different Tunisian spice blends to create your own unique flavor combination.
• Store any leftover Spiced Ants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Spiced Ants as an appetizer or as a topping for Tunisian-inspired dishes. Pair it with a refreshing Tunisian salad or couscous for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Spiced Ants on a vibrant platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve with warm Tunisian bread on the side to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.