Egyptian Fattah Recipe

beef

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: lamb

Chicken is leaner and often less expensive than beef.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and can be used for frying.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: apple cider vinegar

Lemon juice adds brightness and is often more accessible.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes provide a lighter taste, while canned are cost-effective.

In a deep pot, melt butter or ghee over medium high heat, add mastic and stir until melted.

Add meat cubes and brown all over. Add bay leaves, sugar, black pepper, and cardamom; stir to combine.

Add onion, garlic, tomato, celery, and carrots. Mix everything well together. Pour in hot boiling water to cover and remove any foam rising at the surface.

Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat, cover loosely, and let simmer until done. Set aside to cool, remove vegetables and bay leaves, and discard if desired.

Take the beef cubes out and cover to set aside. Strain the broth and set aside as well.

In a pot over medium high, add butter and oil. Wait for the butter to melt then add the rice and stir for 2-3 minutes until covered with the butter and oil mixture.

Pour in water or broth, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let cook for 13-15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cut the bread into 1 inch squares and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until crisp and golden brown.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add garlic and stir until fragrant. Add vinegar and cook for 3-4 minutes. Increase heat, pour in tomato sauce, 7-spice blend, salt & pepper, and mix. Add tomato paste and one cup of broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.

In another saucepan, pour in the remaining broth and bring to a boil. Add the garlic-vinegar mixture, season with salt and pepper, then turn heat off.

Assemble Fattah by placing the toasted pita on a platter, drizzle with white sauce, add rice, arrange meat pieces on top, and drizzle with tomato sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens