Egyptian Fattah is a layered dish of crispy bread, rice, meat, and a savory tomato sauce. It's a celebratory dish and a common sight during Eid al-Fitr.
Ingredients
Crispy Bread
- 4piecepita bread or baladi bread
- 2cupoil for frying
Rice
- 2cupEgyptian rice
- 2tbspghee
- 2piecebay leaves
- 3piececardamom pods
- 4cupbroth
Meat
- 1lblamb or beef
- 1pieceonion, chopped
- 3clovegarlic, minced
- 2piecetomatoes, chopped
Tomato Sauce
- 3clovegarlic, minced
- 4piecetomatoes, chopped
- 2tbspvinegar
- 1tspcumin
- 1tsppepper
- 1tspcoriander
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
663.0kcal (33.15%)
Protein
29.2g (58.34%)
Carbs
70.0g (25.45%)
Sugars
3.3g (6.66%)
Healthy Fat
18.4g
Unhealthy Fat
10.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Egyptian Fattah
Crispy Bread
Cut the pita bread or baladi bread into small pieces.
Deep fry the bread pieces in hot oil until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and set aside.
To reduce calories, you can roast the bread in the oven with a little salt, pepper and oil
Rice
Rinse the Egyptian rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a pot, heat ghee and add bay leaves and cardamom pods.
Add the rice and stir to coat with the ghee and spices.
Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Meat
In a large pot, braise the lamb or beef with chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped tomatoes until the meat is tender.
Tomato Sauce
In a pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add chopped tomatoes, vinegar, cumin, pepper, and coriander.
Cook until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Assemble
Layer the fried bread at the bottom of a serving dish.
Add a layer of cooked rice on top of the bread.
Place the braised meat over the rice.
Pour the tomato sauce over the meat.
Garnish with toasted nuts and fried onions.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
663.0kcal (33.15%)
Protein
29.2g (58.34%)
Carbs
70.0g (25.45%)
Sugars
3.3g (6.66%)
Healthy Fat
18.4g
Unhealthy Fat
10.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the rice.
Serve the Fattah immediately to keep the bread crispy.
FAQS
How can I make Egyptian Fattah healthier by substituting ingredients?
To make Egyptian Fattah healthier, consider roasting the pita or baladi bread instead of deep frying it. You can also use whole grain pita for added fiber. Additionally, opt for lean cuts of lamb or beef, or substitute with chicken or a plant-based protein like lentils for a lighter version.
What is the best way to store leftover Egyptian Fattah?
To store leftover Egyptian Fattah, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the components separately: the bread, rice, and meat can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What can I serve with Egyptian Fattah to enhance the meal?
Egyptian Fattah pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh salad, such as a simple cucumber and tomato salad, or a tangy tahini sauce. You can also serve it with pickled vegetables for a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Can I use a different type of rice for making Egyptian Fattah?
Yes, while Egyptian rice is traditional for Fattah, you can substitute it with other long-grain rice varieties like basmati or jasmine rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio according to the type of rice you choose.
What is the cooking process for making the tomato sauce in Egyptian Fattah?
To make the tomato sauce for Egyptian Fattah, sauté minced garlic in a pan until fragrant, then add chopped tomatoes, vinegar, cumin, pepper, and coriander. Cook the mixture until it thickens and the flavors meld together, creating a savory sauce to pour over the layered dish.
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