Tunisia’s Egg Rolls: Fatima’s Fingers; ‘Swabaa Fatma’5 min read

In honor of Ramadan, I bring to you this yummy recipe which is a Tunisian favorite in all households, especially during this blessed month.

The appetizer’s name is translated to “Fatma’s fingers” which does not sound appetizing at all, BUT, trust me, it is absolutely delicious! Doights de Fatma is basically a fried, crunchy finger made with thin pastry dough and stuffed with different ingredients.

Fatima’s Fingers / Doights de Fatma (Tunisian Egg Rolls)

The most important ingredient for this recipe is the “Malsouka” which is the thin paper that is used for wrapping the filling. The “Malsouka” resembles filo dough but is a little thicker. It is an unleavened dough made with semolina or flour.

You can find “Malsouka” at any large supermarket in Tunisia. You can also find homemade Malsouka – which in my opinion tastes better – in the smaller stores in your neighborhood.

For the filling, you can use whatever your heart desires. Some options include shrimp, ground beef, ground turkey, and tuna. Whisked egg is what holds the mixture together but is optional.

For this recipe, I used tuna as the protein and added mashed potato and ricotta. These ingredients act as the holding agent instead of the egg. I don’t like using eggs because then you won’t be able to freeze the extra.

Hope you enjoy, and Ramadan Kareem to all those celebrating!

INGREDIENTS: (makes 10-20)

• 1 small can of tuna (160 gr)
• 2 tbsp thinly chopped green onion
• 1 small container of ricotta (170 gr)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 small potato
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp chili flakes or harissa
• 4 fermented small red peppers, chopped
• 1 tbsp shredded cheese (any type)
• Capers (optional)
• 10-20 malsouka papers (depending on thickness of the paper)

Fatima’s Fingers Recipe:

Fatima’s Fingers — Preparation:

• In a small pot, cut the potato into cubes, cover with water, and let it boil until the potato is soft. Once ready, take it out and mash it until you get a thick paste.
• While the potato is cooking, thinly chop the parsley, onions, and fermented small red peppers.
• Combine all ingredients in a bowl. The mixture should be thick and moist. You can add more ricotta if you want a softer and fluffier filling. You can also add a whisked egg but I don’t like adding it because then you won’t be able to freeze the extra.
• To assemble, there are two options. If the malsouka you have is on the thicker side, stack the malsouka papers and cut using scissors in half. You’ll have half circles. Place the filling on one end and then wrap like a burrito.
• The other option (which is shown in the video) is if the malsouka you have is very thin and would easily break. Do not cut the circle in half; just place the filling in the lower quarter of the circle. Then fold the circle vertically and finish wrapping like a burrito.
• After you finished wrapping all swabaa (fingers), you can either freeze them (pack them loosely so they don’t sick together), or you can directly fry them. A healthier option is to bake them in the oven with some olive oil. You won’t get that much of a crunch though.
• Serve them directly with soup and salad for Ramadan. Check out the lentil soup and the octopus salad.

Happy cooking!

#TasteTunisia initiative

This Fatima’s Fingers / Swabaa Fatma recipe is part of the #TasteTunisia initiative. In search of Tunisian cuisine, through a series of articles/videos, Carthage Magazine offers a window to the Tunisian food and recipes.

The Taste Tunisia initiative is supported by Carthage Magazine and led by international registered dietitians-nutritionists from Tunisia, making it the ultimate initiative that celebrates and promotes Tunisian cuisine.

#TasteTunisia Recipes:

• The Best Authentic Tunisian Rice Dish — “Rouz Jerbi”
• Slata Tounsia – Tunisia’s Summer Salad
• Mlewi: The Most Popular Tunisian Flatbread
• Lablebi: One of Tunisia’s Most Popular Street Foods
• The Famous “Khobz Ch3ir” — Tunisian Barley Bread
• Tunisian Mloukhiya, Your Grandma’s Favorite Dish (& Likely Yours, Too!)
• Tunisia’s Seafood Pasta — A Tunisian Delicacy
• Tunisia’s National Dish: COUSCOUS
• Tunisian Stuffed Peppers: “Felfel Mehchi”
• Tunisian Masfouf — Tunisia’s Most Famous Sweet Version of Couscous
• The Coziest Vegetable Stew — Tunisia’s Go-To Dish for the Cold Months
• Tunisian-Style Stuffed Dates — Tunisia’s Healthiest Sweet Appetizer
• Date & Walnut Bread — The Perfect Healthy Dessert
• Kafteji: a Healthy Version of your Favorite Tunisian Dish
• Tunisia’s Traditional Mini Doughnuts: Kaa’k Yoyo
• A Unique Pizza with a Taste of Tunisia: Harissa Infused Veggie Pizza
• Mom’s Orange Cake — Tunisia’s Winter Dessert
• Assidat Zgougou — Tunisia’s Sweetness in a Bowl
• Tajine El Bey: Tunisia’s Finest Appetizer
• The Traditional, Most Authentic Tunisian Pumpkin Shakshuka
• Tunisian Breakfast for Champions: “Zamit” with Pomegranate
• Tunisia’s Lentil Soup – Your Favorite Winter Warmer Dish
• All Tunisian food recipes.

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