Ukun Iyo Mallaay (Egg and Tuna Scramble)

By Ifrah F. Ahmed

Updated April 13, 2026

  • Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Spencer Richards.
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20 min
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This umami-forward dish is a favorite in many Somali homes due to its ability to stretch and feed an entire household cheaply and quickly using basic pantry ingredients. It is also consumed by some Somali women during the traditional forty-day postpartum period. The scramble is a deeply comforting,with a hint of sweetness from the cooked red onions — and is a great source of protein thanks to the salty tuna and eggs. If you like, serve it with canjeero or crusty French bread and a hot cup of shaah (spiced tea) or qaxwo.

Featured in: My Mother Taught Me to Cook Like a Somali. I Want to Teach the World.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 to 3 servings

  • 1 tablespoon oil

  • ½ red onion, halved and sliced

  • 1 (5-ounce) can yellowfin tuna in olive oil

  • 6 large eggs

  • ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 to 3 servings)

3 grams carbs; 381 milligrams cholesterol; 286 calories; 8 grams monosaturated fat; 5 grams polyunsaturated fat; 4 grams saturated fat; 18 grams fat; 402 milligrams sodium; 27 grams protein; 1 gram sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. When the oil is shimmering, after about 1 minute, add the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, 5 to 6 minutes. 

  2. Step 2

    Stir in the tuna with its oil and cover the pan; cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, beat the eggs and salt together in a medium bowl. Uncover the pan and pour in the beaten eggs evenly over the tuna.

  3. Step 3

    Don’t stir the eggs; cover the pan and let them settle into the tuna for 15 or 20 seconds. Uncover the pan and gently stir for about 2 minutes, until a cohesive scramble forms. Transfer to plates and serve immediately.

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Credits

Adapted from "Soomaaliya," by Ifrah F. Ahmed (Hardie Grant North America, 2026)"

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