Ojja Merguez
This Tunisian ojja features spicy merguez sausage cooked with a rich tomato sauce and bell peppers, then finished with eggs cracked directly into the pan. It's a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for a hearty dinner or brunch.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 45 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 544 kcal
Allergen information: may contain eggs. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 400 gmerguez sausage, casings removed, crumbled
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 pcsbell pepper, diced
- 3 clovegarlic, minced
- 2 tbsptomato paste
- 400 gcanned crushed tomato
- 0.5 cupwater
- 1 tspharissa
- 0.5 tspcumin powder
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper
- 4 pcsegg
garnish
- 2 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped
Equipment
slotted spoon · large skillet · cutting board · knife
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat a large, deep skillet or braiser over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled merguez sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Merguez is spicy; adjust harissa later based on your preference.
- 2
Remove the cooked merguez from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving behind the rendered fat. Set the sausage aside.
About 1 min
- 3
Add the olive oil to the skillet with the merguez drippings. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper, then sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
About 7 min
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Cooking the tomato paste helps deepen its flavor.
- 5
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and water. Add the harissa, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
About 2 min
- 6
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
About 10 min
- 7
Uncover the skillet and return the cooked merguez sausage to the sauce. Stir to combine.
About 1 min
- 8
Make four small wells in the sauce and carefully crack one egg into each well. Season the eggs lightly with salt and pepper.
About 1 min
- 9
Cover the skillet and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired consistency.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: For runny yolks, cook closer to 5 minutes; for firmer yolks, cook longer.
- 10
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot, directly from the skillet, with crusty bread.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 543.6kcal
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbs
- 14.4g
- Fat
- 42.6g
- Fibre
- 2.9g
- Sugar
- 8.7g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover ojja in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Eggs may cook further upon reheating.
More recipes
All recipesmain course
Dal Tadka
A comforting and flavorful Indian lentil dish, Dal Tadka features yellow lentils cooked until tender and then tempered with a fragrant spice mixture. It's a staple in Indian cuisine, perfect served with rice or flatbread.
45 min 270 kcalappetizer
Creamy Dill Dip
A simple, savory dip made with a sour cream and mayonnaise base, seasoned with dill and other herbs. This no-cook recipe is quick to assemble and perfect for serving with fresh vegetables, chips, or as a spread. The flavors deepen and improve after a short rest in the refrigerator.
35 min 261 kcalsalad
Tofu Skin Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of this Chinese-inspired Tofu Skin Salad, a refreshing and savory dish featuring rehydrated tofu skin, crisp julienned vegetables, and a zesty soy-sesame dressing. It's a light yet satisfying appetizer or side, bursting with umami and a delightful textural contrast.
35 minmain course
Culurgiones with Potato, Pecorino, and Mint
A traditional stuffed pasta from Sardinia, featuring a unique braided shape that resembles a wheat stalk. The filling is a simple yet flavorful combination of creamy potato, sharp Pecorino cheese, and fresh mint, served with a light tomato sauce.
2 hr 30 min 530 kcalmain course
Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines)
Sardinhas Assadas are a classic Portuguese dish, featuring fresh sardines grilled to perfection and simply seasoned. This recipe highlights the natural flavor of the fish, making for a light yet satisfying meal.
25 minbreakfast
Berry Banana Smoothie Bowl
This vibrant smoothie bowl is packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, making it a perfect start to your day. It's easily customizable with your favorite fruits and toppings. Enjoy a nutritious and delicious breakfast.
5 mindinner
Zarzuela de Mariscos
Zarzuela de Mariscos is a vibrant Spanish seafood stew, rich with a variety of shellfish and fish in a flavorful tomato and pepper-based sauce. It's a celebratory dish, perfect for sharing, offering a taste of the Mediterranean coast.
1 hr 10 min 499 kcal