Maasems

Maasems Recipe - A Tunisian Delight with Hard-Boiled Eggs and Chicken Breast

Region / culture: Tunisia | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 9

Introduction

Maasems are a delicious Middle Eastern dish that combines the flavors of chicken, eggs, and parsley all wrapped up in a crispy wrapper. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Maasems have been a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. The combination of chicken, eggs, and parsley wrapped in a crispy wrapper is a favorite among many cultures in the region.

Ingredients

2 medium hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 large cooked chicken breast, chopped
0.33 cup chopped parsley
2 medium eggs, beaten
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper, to taste
9 or 18 wrappers [1]
olive oil, for frying
lemon wedges, for garnish

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine both types of eggs, chicken, parsley, cheese, salt, and pepper.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Wrap the mixture in wrappers, sealing the edges with water.
Fry in 1 inch of oil until crisp, turning as needed.
Serve garnished with lemon wedges.

Variations

You can customize the filling of Maasems by adding different herbs or spices, such as cumin or paprika. You can also use ground beef or lamb instead of chicken for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Maasems turn out crispy and delicious, be sure to refrigerate the mixture before wrapping it in the wrappers. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to handle when wrapping. Additionally, be sure to seal the edges of the wrappers with water to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

Serving Suggestions

Maasems can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or a salad. They also make a great appetizer for parties or gatherings.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the Maasems in oil gives them a crispy texture and delicious flavor. Be sure to turn them as needed to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have parsley, you can use cilantro or mint as a substitute. You can also use store-bought wonton wrappers instead of making your own.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for Maasems ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to wrap and fry them. This makes them a great option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Maasems on a platter with lemon wedges for garnish. You can also sprinkle them with additional parsley or cheese for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Maasems pair well with a side of hummus, tzatziki, or a cucumber salad. They also go well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Maasems can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Maasems contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Maasems contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Maasems contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Maasems contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Maasems are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Maasems contain eggs, dairy (parmesan cheese), and gluten (wrappers).

Summary

Maasems are a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Maasems are a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and flavorful filling, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was called Maasems, a dish that hailed from the Mediterranean region. I had always been intrigued by different cuisines and flavors, and this recipe seemed to encompass all of that in one dish.

I remember the day vividly. I was visiting my friend Maria, who had just returned from a trip to Greece. She was raving about the delicious food she had tried there, and she even brought back some ingredients for me to try. One of those ingredients was a jar of preserved lemons, which she said were essential for making Maasems.

Maria handed me a handwritten recipe for Maasems, passed down to her from her grandmother. The recipe was simple yet exotic, with a blend of flavors that I had never tried before. I could hardly contain my excitement as I read through the instructions.

The first step was to marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, cumin, and paprika. This would infuse the meat with a bold and aromatic flavor. Next, I was to stuff the chicken with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and raisins, giving it a sweet and savory contrast.

I followed the recipe carefully, savoring each step as I prepared the dish. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, a blend of spices and herbs that transported me to the Mediterranean.

As the Maasems cooked in the oven, I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When I took the dish out and served it to my family, their eyes lit up with anticipation. With each bite, we were transported to a world of exotic flavors and rich traditions.

From that moment on, Maasems became a staple in our household. I would often make it for special occasions or when I wanted to treat my family to something truly special. It became a dish that was synonymous with love and care, a recipe that brought us together around the dinner table.

Over the years, I have made Maasems countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have experimented with different spices and ingredients, always striving to perfect the dish.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Maasems to the next generation. It has become a part of our family's culinary heritage, a dish that will always hold a special place in our hearts.

As I look back on the journey of learning to make Maasems, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories it has given me. It has taught me the importance of exploring new flavors and cuisines, and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

So if you ever find yourself looking for a dish that is both exotic and comforting, I urge you to try making Maasems. Let its rich flavors and aromatic spices transport you to the Mediterranean, and let it become a part of your own culinary journey.