This makes a lovely snack meal. Merguez are spicy North African sausages. If you cannot find them, you can substitute hot Cajun or Creole sausages.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　8 merguez sausages

　　3 tablespoons vegetable or extra-virgin olive oil

　　3 or 4 cloves garlic, chopped

　　1 pound tomatoes, peeled and chopped

　　Salt and pepper

　　4 eggs

　　

Step 1

Fry the sausages in the oil in a large skillet, turning them over for 1–2 minutes. Add the garlic, and when the aroma rises, add the tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook for about 15 minutes, until the sauce is reduced.

　　

Step 2

Break in the eggs and let them cook, whole, in the sauce.

　　

Step 3

Serve hot with good bread.

　　

Variation

Step 4

In Tunisia they add 1/4–1/2 teaspoon harissa (see page 464) to the tomato sauce.

　　The New Book of Middle Eastern Food Copyright © 2000Knopf