Indulge in a Rich and Savory Arabic Breakfast
Good morning friends! Welcome to my kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite breakfast recipes – an Arabic Breakfast. Trust me when I say that this breakfast is not only delicious, but it will also kickstart your day with a burst of energy that you won’t find in any other meal.
From Saudi Arabia to Lebanon, Middle Eastern countries are known for their amazing breakfast dishes. This recipe includes some classic and unique ingredients that are commonly used in Arabian cuisine and will make your taste buds dance with joy.
The aroma of dried sage and mint combined with the flavors of za’atar spice mix and olive oil will wake up your senses while the sweetness of a banana masoub or honey croissant will indulge your cravings. It’s the perfect balance between fresh and savory flavors.
Whether you plan on preparing it for your family, friends, or simply for yourself, you’ll love how quick and easy this recipe comes together. So let’s get started, shall we? Grab your apron and let’s start cooking this mouth-watering Arabic Breakfast together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready for a culinary journey through the Middle Eastern region with this delicious Arabic breakfast recipe. Trust me, your taste buds will be delighted with the flavors and aromas that this dish has to offer!
Imagine waking up in the morning to the smell of pita bread fresh from the oven, paired with savory za’atar spice mix, creamy hummus, and tangy cucumber and tomato salad. Add in some scrambled eggs with aromatic dried sage and mint, and you have yourself a breakfast fit for a king!
Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it also packs a nutritional punch. With protein-rich eggs, fiber-filled fava beans, and a variety of fresh herbs and veggies, you’ll be giving your body the fuel it needs to start the day off right.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different variations depending on your preferences or what you have on hand. Switch out mortadella for sujuk sausage, try adding in some roasted red peppers or olives to the salad, or even swap out pita bread for Turkish simit. The possibilities are endless!
In addition, this Arabic breakfast recipe is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Prepare everything in advance and store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. It’s also great for entertaining guests – simply lay everything out on a platter and let everyone build their own customized breakfast.
In summary, if you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and nutritious breakfast option that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Middle East, this Arabic breakfast recipe is just what you need. So go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delightful Middle Eastern breakfast recipe:
For the Fava Beans:
- 2 cups of cooked fava beans
- 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumbers
- 1/4 teaspoon of za’atar spice mix
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
For the Fool (Fava Beans Dip):
- 1 cup of cooked fava beans
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried mint
For the Eggs:
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A pinch of dried sage
For the Mortadella:
- 2 slices of mortadella
To Serve:
- Pita bread or Arabic bread
- Black or green olives
- Tea bags and water to prepare hot tea
Make sure you have all these fresh ingredients in your pantry before you begin cooking.
The Recipe How-To
To make this Arabic breakfast recipe, you will need a few essential ingredients and some time in the kitchen. Don’t worry! The results are worth it.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, take some time to gather everything you’ll need for the recipe. Make sure to check your pantry to see what you already have on hand. You’ll need:
- Fava Beans: 1 can of cooked beans.
- Eggs: 4 large.
- Tomatoes & Cucumbers: 2 cups chopped.
- Mortadella: 4 slices diced.
- Pita Bread: 4 pieces.
- Za’atar Spice Mix
- Olive Oil
- Dried Mint and Sage
- Salt
- Water:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cut pita bread into small wedges or squares.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of za’atar spice mix with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until well combined. Brush this mixture over the sliced pita bread and place it in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- In a saucepan, combine the fava beans with enough water (around ½ cup), salt, dried sage and mint leaves, and let them simmer for around 10 minutes or until they become tender. Drain the excess water and mash the beans.
- In another pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for around 2 minutes until soft, stirring occasionally.
- In a bowl, whip the eggs with some salt using a fork or whisk.
- Add mortadella to the tomato pan followed by eggs mixture and stir occasionally. Cook for around 5 min over low heat till it’s ready.
- Serve everything together in one big plate garnished with olive oil and dried mint.
Tips for Perfect Results
For a true traditional taste of this dish, serve all ingredients on a large platter instead of separately on individual plates.
Try Some Variations
This breakfast recipe is incredibly versatile so feel free to try different variations depending on your mood or preference! Some popular substitutions include adding chickpeas to fava beans or using halloumi cheese instead of mortadella.
With these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious Arabic breakfast the whole family will love!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the wonderful things about Arabic breakfast is that it’s very versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to make this recipe your own:
– Instead of olive oil, use vegetable oil or clarified butter (ghee) for flavor variation.
– You can choose different types of bread if Pita bread isn’t available. For example, you can use naan, flatbread, or even a sandwich loaf.
– You can swap the mortadella with sliced turkey, ham, or smoked salmon for a healthier option.
– For a vegan-friendly version, skip the eggs and mortadella entirely and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach on top of the hummus instead.
– Customize the toppings using fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil.
– You can serve this breakfast platter with additional sides such as olives, cheese, or yogurt dip.
– If you don’t have za’atar spice mix on hand, mix dried thyme and sesame seeds as a substitute.
Overall, this recipe is very adaptable and can be tailored to fit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect breakfast menu for you!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving an Arabic breakfast, there are a few key elements that can take your meal to the next level. One of these is pita bread. Warm, fluffy, and perfect for dipping in some hummus or baba ganoush. Trust me, no Arabic breakfast is complete without it!
Another essential component of any Arabic breakfast is eggs. Fried eggs are a popular choice, but you can also try them scrambled, poached, or boiled – whatever your preference might be.
Alongside your eggs and pita bread, you’ll want to add some fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes. These provide a nice crunch and contrast to some of the richer flavors on the plate.
For extra protein and depth of flavor, consider adding some mortadella or za’atar-spiced fava beans to your breakfast platter.
To top off your meal, brew up a pot of strong tea – using tea bags along with dried sage and mint – to balance out the different flavors and textures on your plate.
Overall, an Arabic breakfast is a versatile feast with many options for customization based on personal preferences. It’s perfect for big groups or solo dining and provides plenty of energy to start off your day well!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Nothing beats the convenience of make-ahead breakfast dishes, especially when you’re short on time in the morning. Fortunately, this Arabic breakfast recipe is ideal for prepping in advance. You can easily prepare it a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to heat it up.
To make things even easier, you can portion the dish out into individual meal prep containers so that you have breakfast ready to go for the next few days. Just make sure to seal the containers tightly to keep the flavors fresh.
When it’s time to reheat your Arabic breakfast dish, there are a few different options available. You can microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but for the best results, we recommend reheating in the oven.
Simply place your desired amount of food onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
In terms of storage, this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. However, we don’t recommend freezing this dish as it contains eggs which can become rubbery when thawed.
With its delicious combination of flavors and ease of preparation, this Arabic breakfast recipe is perfect for busy mornings or relaxed brunches. By taking advantage of its make-ahead capabilities and following our tips for reheating, you’ll be able to enjoy this dish any day of the week with minimal effort required!
Tips for Perfect Results
When you’re making an Arabic breakfast, it’s important to pay attention to the small details to achieve perfection. Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure your Arabic breakfast is both delicious and authentic:
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Freshness is key in Arabic cuisine, so make sure to use the freshest ingredients possible! Visit your local Middle Eastern market or supermarket and check out what they have on offer.
2. Season with Za’atar Spice Mix
No Middle Eastern dish is complete without za’atar spice mix, so make sure to add this blend of herbs and spices to your dish for added flavor. You can easily make your own or purchase it at your local Middle Eastern market.
3. Toast Your Pita Bread
Toasting your pita bread will add a delicious crunch and enhance its flavor. Simply toast it on a dry skillet or in the oven until golden brown.
4. Don’t Overcook Your Eggs
When making eggs for your Arabic breakfast, be careful not to overcook them! Whether you’re poaching or frying them, make sure the yolk is still runny, as this is an essential element of the dish.
5. Serve with Hummus and Falafel
Hummus and falafel are staple side dishes in Arabic cuisine and pair perfectly with an Arabic breakfast platter. You can easily make these dishes ahead of time or purchase them pre-made at your local Middle Eastern market.
By following these small but essential tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating an authentic, delicious Arabic breakfast that will transport you straight to the Middle East!
FAQ
As you are preparing this Arabic Breakfast recipe, you may have some questions and doubts about some of the ingredients or steps. Don’t worry! In this section, I have gathered some common questions and issues that can arise while making this dish. So, let’s address those queries and clear those doubts to make sure that your breakfast turns out perfect!
What is a typical Arabic breakfast?
A typical morning meal in Middle Eastern or Arabic cuisine is often a substantial affair, consisting of a diverse array of dishes such as eggs, beans, vegetables, cheeses, olives, salads, and/or bread.
What do Middle East people eat for breakfast?
Starting the day with a Middle Eastern breakfast is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and share a variety of delectable small plates. These plates typically consist of eggs, vegetables, beans, cheese, pastries, and fresh breads, as mentioned by Shane Delia in A Middle East Feast episode that focuses on delicious breakfast options.
What is a typical Egyptian breakfast?
One of the most traditional breakfast dishes is known as Ful or “fool”. This dish is made from fava beans that are cooked with oil and salt to provide a nourishing and satisfying start to your day. Typically paired with a boiled egg, the soaked beans are cooked at a low heat for several hours in an “idra” to remove the bean’s casing.
What is a typical Moroccan breakfast?
A simple and popular Moroccan breakfast is the fried egg with olives. This traditional dish is enjoyed by many Moroccans and often includes a runny yolk, black olives, soft cheese, and drizzles of olive oil. Some even add a touch of sweetness with honey.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Arabic breakfast recipe is the perfect way to start your day. Not only is it delicious and satisfying, but it also provides you with important nutrients and energy to keep you going throughout your day. Additionally, this recipe’s ingredients are easily accessible and adaptable to your taste preferences, making it an excellent choice for any breakfast menu.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and delicious breakfast or something more full-bodied like a breakfast platter, this recipe has got you covered. And don’t forget about the variety of other Eastern dishes that are just as amazing! So, give this recipe a try and treat yourself to the unique flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.
I promise that once you try this delicious Arabic breakfast, you won’t be able to go back to your old routine. From hummus falafel pita to masoub Saudi Arabian banana breakfast dish, Arabic food recipes are simply amazing — so why not indulge in some of the best food in the world? Armed with these easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll quickly become an expert in Middle Eastern breakfast cuisines.
So go ahead and take a morning off to prepare yourself an awesome Middle Eastern brunch. Gather round with friends and family and celebrate the highlights of this ancient culture through its delicious food!
As an Israeli chef, I urge you to explore new cultures through their culinary gifts, share the cuisine with others and most importantly have fun while doing it!
An Arabic Breakfast Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- salt
- 4 chunks white cheese
- 20 olives (I love the sweet black Spanish olives but in Jordan we had ones from our garden)
- za'atar spice mix (we buy it but a recipe for it is here #65710)
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 small cucumbers
- labneh (we buy it but a recipe for it is here #77269 - the garlic is optional)
- olive oil
- mortadella (optional)
- arabic bread (Lebanese)
ARABIC TEA
- water
- 2 tea bags (I like Lipton)
- 1/4 cup dried sage (approx.) or 1/4 cup dried mint (approx.)
- sugar
Instructions
- In a small frypan, put enough olive oil to nearly cover the bottom.
- Fry chunks of white cheese until golden on each side (but don't overdo it).
- Put along with oil onto small serving plate.
- Clean the frypan (or use another one) and use it to make Arabic style scrambled eggs.
- Place two tablespoons of olive oil in the pan along with 3 eggs and salt to taste (about 3 pinches).
- Lightly turn it with a fork (Arabic scrambled eggs aren't as scrambled as the 'normal' version) until there is no longer any egg liquid (it should only just be cooked no more).
- Put olives in a serving bowl.
- Put about 1/2 cup of zaatar in a serving bowl.
- Put 1/4 cup olive oil in a serving bowl and serve alongside zaatar.
- Cut tomatoes into wedges.
- Sprinkle small amount of salt over wedges (optional).
- Cut the ends off the cucumbers and slice each into 4 long strips.
- Put tomato wedges and cucumbers onto serving plate.
- Serve labaneh with olive oil drizzled on top.
- Serve mortadella sliced.
- Heat the Arabic bread either by using the stove top (gas ovens) and turning frequently or heating each piece in the microwave for 30 seconds (not the authentic way of doing it!) Make tea in pot as per usual but with the dried sage or mint added.
- Serve in Arabic teacups (usually small glass ones) with between 1-2 teaspoons sugar in each.
- (Note: mint needs less sugar than sage) Serve all of the above.
- The traditional way is to place a large tablecloth on the floor and eat seated on the ground.
- Eat with Arabic bread.