Ajja (Merguez or sausage shak’shouka)

Merguez (or North African Sausage) is the most popular mixture of ground beef and spices. Grilled, served inside french baguette sandwich with some harissa, is called “Sandwich Merguez”, sometimes fries are added to the famous sandwich. Another famous dish we make with merguez is called Ajja!

Ingredients:

Servings: 4 Time of prep. and cook. 30 mnts

1 lb merguez or sausage (It is available in NY)

2 tomatoes

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tbs tomato paste

1 tbs ras al hanout

1 tbs sweet paprika

1 tsp chilli powder

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

5 large eggs

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1.     In a food processor mix the 2 tomatoes and the three cloves of garlic into puree.

2.     In a large frying pan, add the tomato puree, tomato paste, oil, spices and ½ cup water. 

3.     Put over medium high heat about 10-15 minutes, until about half the water is reduced.  Add the merguez (cut into halves), keep over medium high heat until sausages cooked through. 

4.     With a spoon make a small hole to use as a space to crack the eggs.

5.     Break the five eggs individually over the pan and reduce heat to low.

6.     Keep over flame until whites of eggs cooked through. 

7.     Serve at room temperature.