Skip to main content

Tunisian Potato Omelet

In this delicious omelet, we borrowed the taste of garlic, caraway, and coriander from harissa, the classic Tunisian seasoning. The omelet can also be cut into wedges and served as an appetizer or as part of a tapas or antipasto platter.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

Spicy Tomato Sauce

1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground caraway
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes

Potato Omelet

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups diced onions
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground caraway
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 cups diced potatoes
6 eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Make the Spicy Tomato Sauce: Warm the oil in a small saucepan. Sizzle the garlic in the oil for a few seconds. Add the pepper flakes, salt, caraway, and coriander and cook briefly, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, while you prepare the omelet.

    Step 2

    For the omelet, warm the oil in a large well-seasoned or nonstick skillet, add the onions, and cook on medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, until they soften and begin to turn translucent. Stir in the salt, caraway, coriander, and potatoes and cook for about a minute. Add 1/4 cup of water, cover, and cook on medium-low heat until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir often and check for sticking; add more water if necessary.

    Step 3

    While the potatoes cook, in a bowl, beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water. When the potatoes are tender, pour the eggs over them and cook on medium-low heat. When the eggs begin to set, lift the cooked edges while you tilt the pan so the uncooked egg slips under, onto the hot skillet. Sprinkle on cheese, cover, and cook on low heat until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted.

    Step 4

    Divide the omelet into quarters. Serve hot, cold, or at room temperature, topped with Spicy Tomato Sauce.

  2. Serving & menu ideas

    Step 5

    Baby Greens with Pecans & Pears (page 206) complements the spiciness of the sauce. Serve creamy Lemon Coconut Tapioca Pudding (page 276) for dessert.

Cover of the cookbook Moosewood Simple Suppers with a red floral motif.
From Moosewood Restaurant Simple Suppers: Fresh Ideas for the Weeknight Table. Copyright © 2017 by Moosewood Collective. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC. Buy the full book from ThriftBooks or Amazon.
Read More
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Biscuits and gravy, but make it spring.
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.