Fricassés en mode mini 🏻Petits mais terriblement bons
Fricassés en mode mini 👌🏻Petits mais terriblement bons😋 is a medium Tunisian recipe that serves 12. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Casa Bena Cuisine on YouTube.
Prep: 2 hrs 1 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 2 hrs 26 min
Cost: $19.87 total, $1.66 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g All-Purpose Flour (type 55 flour recommended for better texture)
- 100 ml Milk (warm, about 35°C)
- 150 ml Water (warm, about 35°C)
- 10 g Instant Yeast (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 7 tbsp Olive Oil (6 tbsp in dough + 1 tbsp after kneading)
- 300 g Potatoes (firm‑starch variety, such as gratin or raclette potatoes; boiled and mashed)
- 2 Eggs (hard‑boiled, peeled and sliced)
- 150 g Canned Tuna in Oil (drained)
- 50 g Black Olives (pitted and sliced)
- 1 tbsp Capers (optional)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Harissa (or Serracha) Paste (spicy sauce for filling; can substitute with sriracha)
- 1 L Vegetable Oil for Frying (neutral oil with high smoke point)
Instructions
Activate Yeast (optional)
In a small bowl combine 150 ml warm water, 100 ml warm milk, 1 tbsp instant yeast and 1 tbsp granulated sugar. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Mix Dry Ingredients
Place 500 g flour and 1 tsp salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Make a well in the center.
Time: PT2M
Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the yeast‑milk‑water mixture into the well, add 6 tbsp olive oil, and mix on speed 2 for about 5 minutes until a sticky, elastic dough forms.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Extra Oil
Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the dough and knead for another 1 minute on speed 2.
Time: PT1M
First Fermentation
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, place it near a warm spot (radiator or oven on low) and let the dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Time: PT1H
Boil Potatoes and Eggs
While the dough rises, place potatoes in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil and cook 15‑20 minutes until tender. Simultaneously boil the eggs for 10 minutes, then cool in ice water and peel.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 100°C
Prepare Fillings
Mash the boiled potatoes, chop the hard‑boiled eggs, drain tuna, slice olives, and chop parsley. Set each component in separate small bowls.
Time: PT5M
Shape Dough Discs
Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface, pat to about 1 cm thickness. Using a 6 cm round cutter, cut circles. Lightly flour the cutter to prevent sticking.
Time: PT5M
Form Mini Fricassés
Place each circle on a tray, gently stretch the edges outward to create an oval pocket, leaving a small well in the center for filling.
Time: PT5M
Second Proof
Cover the shaped discs with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Heat Oil for Frying
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep pan to reach 2‑3 cm depth. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches about 180°C (use a thermometer or test with a small dough piece).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 180°C
Fry Mini Fricassés
Working in small batches, lower the discs into the hot oil. Fry 2‑3 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden and puffed. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 180°C
Fill the Fricassés
While still warm, open each pocket and spread a thin layer of harissa (or serracha). Add a spoonful of tuna, a dollop of mashed potato, a slice of hard‑boiled egg, a few olive slices, optional capers, and finish with chopped parsley.
Time: PT5M
Serve or Store
Serve the mini fricassés warm. Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen (see storage section).
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains fish
Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Fish (tuna), Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread Flour, All-Purpose Flour type 45
- Instead of Milk: Plant‑based milk
- Instead of Instant Yeast: Active dry yeast (use 12 g)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (reduce liquid)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil for frying
- Instead of Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes
- Instead of Canned Tuna in Oil: Canned salmon, Cooked shredded chicken
- Instead of Black Olives: Green olives
- Instead of Capers: Chopped green olives
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Cilantro
- Instead of Harissa (or Serracha) Paste: Sriracha, Spicy chili paste
- Instead of Vegetable Oil for Frying: Canola oil, Peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment
- Kitchen Scale
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Plastic Wrap
- Rolling Pin
- Round Cutter (6 cm) or Small Glass
- Baking Sheet or Tray
- Parchment Paper
- Deep Frying Pan or Pot
- Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer
- Paper Towels
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- First dough rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Second proof of shaped discs (30 minutes).
- Maintaining oil temperature at ~180°C for proper puffing and golden color.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use type 55 flour because it absorbs less oil, giving a lighter texture.
- Add the extra tablespoon of olive oil after the initial knead for extra softness.
- Cover the dough with both plastic wrap and a towel to keep out drafts and light.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute harissa with a mixture of mayonnaise and a pinch of paprika.
Troubleshooting
Dough does not rise.
Ensure the liquid is warm (35‑40°C) and the yeast is fresh. Place the bowl in a warmer spot or pre‑heat the oven to 30°C and turn it off before covering.
Fried fricassés are dense and not puffed.
Check oil temperature; it should be around 180°C. Fry over low heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Filling makes the dough soggy.
Pat mashed potatoes dry with a paper towel and avoid over‑loading the pocket. Use a thin layer of sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a hot oven (180°C) for 5‑7 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze unfilled discs on a parchment sheet, then transfer to a zip‑top bag. Keep for up to 1 month. Fry from frozen, adding an extra minute per side.
Room temperature: Not recommended beyond 2 hours due to risk of spoilage.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be prepared the night before, covered, and refrigerated; allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.
- Unfilled discs freeze well; shape, freeze on parchment, then bag.
- Harissa can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Mini Fricassés in Tunisian cuisine?
Mini fricassés are a traditional Tunisian street‑food snack, often prepared during Ramadan as a quick, hearty bite. They trace back to Ottoman‑influenced fried dough pastries, adapted with local fillings like tuna, potatoes, and harissa.
What are the traditional regional variations of fricassés in Tunisia?
In coastal regions, fricassés are commonly filled with tuna and capers, while inland versions may use spiced ground meat or chickpeas. Some families add boiled eggs and olives, others prefer a simple potato‑only filling.
How are mini fricassés traditionally served in Tunisian households?
They are served warm on a platter, often accompanied by extra harissa, lemon wedges, and a side of fresh salad. During Ramadan they appear as part of the iftar spread alongside dates and soups.
What occasions or celebrations are mini fricassés associated with in Tunisian culture?
Besides Ramadan, mini fricassés appear at family gatherings, weddings, and street festivals, where vendors fry them fresh and sell them as a snack.
What makes mini fricassés special or unique in Tunisian cuisine?
The combination of a light, airy fried dough with bold, spicy fillings like harissa and tuna creates a balance of textures and flavors that is distinctly Tunisian, reflecting the country's love for heat and seafood.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making mini fricassés?
Common errors include using cold liquids that stall yeast activity, over‑kneading which makes the dough tough, and frying at too high a temperature which burns the exterior before the interior puffs.
Why does this mini fricassés recipe use olive oil in the dough instead of butter?
Olive oil keeps the dough softer and contributes to the characteristic Tunisian flavor; butter would make the dough firmer and could affect the rise due to its lower water content.
Can I make mini fricassés ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Unfilled dough discs can be frozen on parchment and stored for up to a month. After frying, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a hot oven.
What texture and appearance should I look for when frying mini fricassés?
They should be golden‑brown, slightly puffed, and have a crisp outer shell while remaining soft and airy inside. The surface should be smooth without dark spots.
How do I know when the mini fricassés are done cooking?
When the dough has risen, turned golden, and floats briefly in the oil, it is done. A quick test with a kitchen thermometer should read around 180°C in the oil.
What does the YouTube channel Casa Bena Cuisine specialize in?
The YouTube channel Casa Bena Cuisine specializes in North African home cooking, focusing on authentic Tunisian and Algerian recipes, quick meals for families, and festive dishes for Ramadan and other celebrations.
How does the YouTube channel Casa Bena Cuisine's approach to Tunisian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Casa Bena Cuisine emphasizes traditional techniques, uses locally sourced ingredients, and often shares cultural stories behind each dish, whereas many other channels focus on fusion or shortcut methods.
Last updated: August 24, 2026






