Mouth Watering Egyptian Faatah Recipe: A Must Try!
Attention all foodies! Get ready to indulge in a classic and flavorful Egyptian dish that is sure to leave your taste buds dancing in excitement. Introducing the beloved Egyptian Faatah, a meat and rice dish with crispy bread on the bottom that has been a favorite of many for generations.
As an Israeli chef, I’m always experimenting with different recipes and flavors from around the world, but this one has truly won me over. The combination of spiced boiled meat and rice topped with garlicy tomato sauce, crispy bread, and toasted pita is simply irresistible.
But what makes this Egyptain recipe so special? It’s not just the delicious flavors, but also its cultural significance. Faatah is often served during important festivities like Eid celebrations and weddings in Egypt. It’s a dish that brings together families and friends and reminds them of their rich cultural heritage.
Whether you’re looking to impress your guests with an exotic dish or simply craving some Middle Eastern comfort food, Egyptian Faatah is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready to experience the classic Egyptian favorite, the Fatta dish? I promise you that this meat and rice crispy bread bottom recipe is a game changer. The garlicy tomato sauce with cumin and vinegar adds a Middle Eastern flair that elevates this dish to new heights.
This dish has many variations, but trust me when I say that this original recipe is the one that will please your tastebuds the most. It has flavors that are a burst of deliciousness in every bite. The spiced boiled meat with toasted pita bread and white rice combined with the crispy bread garlicy tomato sauce creates a delectable texture explosion that is simply irresistible.
I assure you that this Fattah dish will quickly become one of your favorites among Egyptian dishes. This is not just any rice dish, meat rice crispy delicacy, it’s a celebration must-have, especially during Eid festival. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or just indulging on your own, this Fattah meat rice with crispy bread bottom will leave you satisfied and satisfied every time.
Don’t be afraid to try something new and explore the wonders of Egyptian cuisine with this classic Egyptian favorite. Cook it for dinner or serve as Eid feast, I guarantee that everyone will fall in love with this dish. Add it to your list of go-to recipes today!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you’ll need to get started:
Meat and Rice:
- 1 pound beef cubes or lamb shank
- 3 cups of white rice
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
Garlic Tomato Sauce:
- 4 fresh garlic cloves
- 2 medium-sized onions
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 4 fresh tomatoes
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup of white vinegar
Crispy Bread:
- Toasted pita bread or crispy bread
The essential components of this rice dish are short-grain white rice, protein, and crispy bread at the bottom. The meat can be substituted with chicken, beef cubes, or lamb shank. The chicken bouillon cube adds extra flavor to the meat while boiling. To enhance the flavor of this Egyptian favorite, spiced boiled water is added to the meat along with cumin, salt, and pepper. The Garlic tomato sauce is made with tomato paste seasoned with fresh garlic cloves, onions, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and white vinegar. The crispy bread at the bottom provides a crunch that contrasts nicely with soft rice. You can use toasted pita bread or any crispy bread of your choice for this recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time for the fun part of making our Egyptian Faatah! With this recipe, the key is to make sure that all of your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you begin cooking. Trust me; cooking will be a breeze once everything is lined up and measured out.
Step 1: Cook the Rice and Meat
The first step in making Egyptian Faatah is to cook the meat and rice. You want to start by cooking the meat in a pan with some oil until it is browned. Then, add in some thinly sliced onions, fresh garlic cloves, tomato paste, fresh tomatoes, salt, pepper, and cumin. Let this mixture cook until the tomatoes start to break down and create a sauce.
While the meat mixture is cooking, you can also start cooking your rice in another pot. Add some chicken bouillon cube for added flavor. Once finished, fluff up the rice with a fork.
Step 2: Toasted Pita Bread Layer
To add that crispy element to our Egyptian Faatah, we need a piece of toasted pita bread on the bottom layer. To do this quickly and easily: heat up some butter in a skillet and toast crispy bread on medium heat until golden brown.
Step 3: Garlicy Tomato Sauce
At this point, let’s make our garlicy tomato sauce that goes over the toasted pita bread. Combine some minced garlic with tomato sauce and let it simmer into a thick consistency.
Step 4: Assembling the Layers
Now let’s layer everything together! Start with the crispy bread on the bottom layer of your serving dish (make individual servings or one whole dish). Next comes in our meat rice mixture followed by more crispy cubes of bread on top.
Spooning over our garlicy tomato sauce over the top bringing all flavours together.
Repeat these layers (rice-meat-crispy bread) and top with more garlicy tomato sauce, then repeat by adding another layer of toasted cubed pita breads on top.
Pro tip: You can add some well seasoned lamb shank if you have as well, but chicken fattah works just as well.
It’s essential to end with a top layer of toasted pita bread for added crunch.
Once all layered up, simply leave it aside for a bit. Letting it rest for around 5 minutes will allow all of those delicious flavors to meld together nicely.
Step 5: Serving Time!
Finally, when you’re ready to serve your Egyptian Faatah, take care as you scoop out servings so that each portion has equal amounts of each layer. Top off with any additional garlicy tomato sauce or toasted pita bread as desired.
That’s it! Your perfectly-layered classic Egyptian favorite is now ready to serve at your next special occasion or even an everyday dinner meal!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up a bit? Making variations to classic recipes is one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen. The recipe for Egyptian Faatah is a great base that can be customized to your liking. Here are some substitution and variation ideas that you can experiment with:
– Meat type: Although lamb shank or beef cubes are commonly used for this dish, you can switch it up by substituting chicken, or even using a combination of different meats. For example, try making Lebanese Chicken Fatteh, which is a similar Middle Eastern dish made with shredded chicken instead.
– Toasted Bread: Crispy bread is an important aspect of this dish, but you can choose different bread types from the traditional pita bread. Some suggested variations include sourdough, ciabatta or baguette.
– Rice: Use white rice for the classic Egyptian Faatah version, but feel free to try black rice for an exotic twist.
– Garlic and tomato sauce: Use tomato sauce instead of tomato paste if you prefer a different flavor. You could also add some red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to give it some extra heat.
– Spices: Experiment with different spices to find what best suits your taste buds. Add cardamom or cinnamon for sweetness, or try turmeric for color.
These are just a few suggestion on how you can make variations and substitutions to the recipe. Don’t be afraid to try things out and see what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
If you’re looking to impress your guests with a classic Egyptian dish, then the Egyptian Faatah (Rice & Meat With Crispy Bread on Bottom) recipe is one sure way to please them. This dish is an all-in-one meal that’s filling, hearty, and packed with a burst of flavor. The crispy bread at the bottom of the dish adds a lovely texture and crunch that perfectly complements the soft rice, meat, and garlicy tomato sauce.
The Egyptian faatah is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or even as part of an event like Eid. You can experiment with variations of the faatah by using different meats such as lamb shank or beef cubes in place of chicken. Depending on your preference, you can also make it spicier or milder by adjusting the cumin and pepper quantity.
To complement this dish, serve it alongside some toasted pita bread or crispy flatbread as they are commonly paired with faatah dishes in Egypt. A fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and onions will add a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the faatah. If you’re hosting a party, this recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, as it serves six people without any hassle.
In summary, the Egyptian faatah is a classic Egyptian favorite that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe comes in many variations but the original recipe is by far the one favorite among Egyptians. Experiment with your preferred meat choice and don’t forget to serve it alongside some toasted pita bread and salad. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about Egyptian Fattah is that this rice-and-meat dish can be made ahead, stored, and reheated for a delicious meal later on. In fact, this is one recipe that tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had time to meld and deepen.
To make ahead, simply prepare the dish as described in the previous section, but stop short of adding the crispy bread layer on the bottom. Cover and refrigerate this meat-and-rice mixture overnight, then reheat it in a covered baking dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
When it’s time to serve, add the garlicy tomato sauce to the reheated rice and meat mixture and top with crispy bread that has been toasted ahead of time.
You can also store any leftover Egyptian Fattah in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat smaller portions, use a microwave-safe bowl or plate and reheat in 30-second intervals until hot. For larger quantities, transfer to a covered baking dish and heat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.
Just remember not to add the crispy bread layer until just before serving or it will lose its crunchiness. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Egypt right in your own kitchen without missing a beat!
Tips for Perfect Results
Egyptian Fatta is a classic Egyptian dish enjoyed on many occasions, including Eid. This dish has many variations, but the traditional recipe requires a mix of meat, rice and crispy bread at the bottom of the dish. As an Israeli chef who specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine, I will share with you some tips to help you achieve perfect results when making Egyptian Fatta at home.
First things first, always make sure to use quality ingredients as they contribute to the flavor profile of the dish. For instance, using fresh garlic cloves instead of minced garlic and fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones will make your Fatta more authentic.
Secondly, when boiling the meat for Fatta, it is important to spice it properly with cumin, onion and garlic to achieve an evenly flavored base for the dish. Once cooled and shredded, sprinkle some white vinegar over the meat to keep it tender and add a hint of tanginess to its flavor.
When cooking rice for Fatta, instead of using plain water, I recommend using chicken bouillon cubes to add depth and richness in flavor. It is also important to rinse your rice several times under cold water before cooking it to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy rice grains.
To get that classic crispy rice bottom for your Fatta, remember not to overcrowd the pan or pot when cooking your rice. Leave some space at the bottom to let steam escape and prevent it from getting soggy.
Lastly, do not forget about presentation! When serving Fatta on a platter or bowl, garnish it with some toasted pita bread on top along with some extra crispy bread on the bottom. Drizzle some garlicy tomato sauce all over and sprinkle some cumin and chopped parsley leaves to enhance your beautiful creation.
I hope these tips will help you create a perfect Egyptian Fatta that will please your guests and make them feel like they are experiencing this beloved dish right in the heart of Egypt.
FAQ
Before we wrap up this article, let’s take a moment to address some frequently asked questions about Egyptian Faatah. Whether you’re new to this classic Egyptian favorite or are a seasoned pro, these answers will help guide you towards perfecting your Faatah recipe. Let’s dive in!
What is Egyptian fattah made of?
Fattah, a beloved Egyptian delicacy for special occasions, is a complex and flavorful dish that consists of layers of crispy pita bread, fragrant rice, broth, and assorted meat varieties.
How to make Egyptian Fatta?
To start this recipe, heat up some butter or ghee in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the mastic and stir everything until the mastic is melted. Once it’s melted, add in the cubes of meat and cook them until they’re brown all over. Next, add the bay leaves, sugar, black pepper, and cardamom. Give everything a good stir and then add in the onions, garlic, tomatoes, celery, and carrots. Make sure they’re mixed in well with the other ingredients in the pot.
What are the 3 most popular foods in Egypt?
In this recipe article, I’ll be sharing with you some mouth-watering Egyptian snacks and mains that you can prepare at home. We’ll be diving into the flavors of Foul Mudammas with Taameya, a delightful combination of Fava Beans Stew with Falafel. Additionally, we’ll be making Koshary, featuring a delicious mixture of Rice, Macaroni, and Lentils. We’ll also be trying out the luxurious Hamam Mahshi, that features Stuffed Pigeons. For something a bit more exotic, we’ll make Tarb, a juicy Grilled Kofta Wrapped in Lamb Fat. And if you’re on the lookout for something more fulfilling, Molokhiya, a hearty Jute Soup, has got you covered. Get ready to indulge in the rich cultural cuisine of Egypt.
What are typical Egyptian dishes?
Egyptian cuisine is extensive and diverse, spanning across various dishes that reflect the nation’s rich cultural history. Among the delicious and commonly consumed foods are falafel, kofta, shawarma, hummus, kushari, and stuffed vegetables with rice and grape leaves. Additionally, locals often enjoy mashed fava beans in the form of ful medames, as well as a stew called molokhiya, which features bush okra.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Egyptian Faatah recipe is truly a classic and one of my favorite dishes. Its crispy bread bottom, spiced rice meat, and garlicy tomato sauce make it an authentic and flavorful experience. Whether you’re looking to impress your friends at a dinner party, or simply want to try something new and delicious, this recipe is sure to please. With many variations to choose from, you can stick to the original recipe or add your own twist for a unique taste. So go ahead and give this Egyptian favorite a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Egyptian Faatah (Rice & Meat With Crispy Bread on Bottom) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb stew meat
- 1 onion
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 2 fresh tomatoes, blended in blender to make smooth
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups short-grain white rice (Egyptian rice)
- 1/4 cup fideos, noodles
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups oil, some for frying bread
- 1 white pita bread
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- salt & pepper
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
Instructions
- To prepare bread for bottom of dish: Take pita bread and rip into bite size pieces. In a frying pan, add about a 1/4 stick of butter, add bread pieces and fry until golden brown and crisp. Put these pieces in a glass baking dish, preferably a square sized dish. Set aside.
- Then add to same pan, a little more butter, salt, approximately 2 cloves of crushed fresh garlic, and a teaspoon or so of cumin stir around a bit until you can smell aroma, then add fried bread pieces to this mixture, stir to coat bread and put back into glass baking dish. Set aside.
- To prepare meat: put some butter in a pot, stir fry meat until brown, add 1 onion quartered, salt & pepper, 1 cube of chicken bouillon and water to cover meat. Bring to a boil, turn down to simmer, cover and cook until tender, approximately 2 hours. After meat has cooled, take out chunks of meat and put in a bowl, set aside. Reserve soup from the meat separately.
- To prepare the rice: Put some butter into a pot, add shareya (fideo noodles) like a handful or so, keep stirring until golden brown, not too dark, but very golden. Then add two cups of rice, stir a little bit until some of the rice turns an opaque white. Add 2-1/4 cups of water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, cover and turn down to simmer, cook until tender. Test the rice tenderness after about 35 minutes.
- Now take some of the soup from meat and add to the top of the bread pieces in baking dish to saturate.Add cooked rice on top of bread pieces. Slowly spoon remainder of soup onto rice, looking at glass dish sides to see level of soup, should reach just to top of rice, don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be exact. Now you’re ready to make the sauce and fry the meat to put on top.
- To prepare red sauce: In a pan, add a little oil or butter, crushed tomato, a half teaspoon of tomato paste, salt & pepper, 2 cloves of fresh crushed garlic and cumin. Add also approximately 3 tablespoons of vinegar, stir this until you smell aroma and it is a bit smooth. It should be a bit thick, not watery, but if too thick you can add a bit of water. Spread with a wooden spoon atop the rice to cover.
- To fry meat: In a pan add a bit of butter or oil, the meat, just a touch of tomato paste, about a tablespoon of fresh crushed garlic, salt & pepper, a teaspoon of cumin. Cook until meat is golden fried.
- Spoon this atop the rice and serve. Enjoy!