RecipesLebanonLebanese Fatteh

Lebanese Fatteh

A classic Lebanese layered dish featuring crispy toasted pita bread, warm chickpeas, a creamy tahini-yogurt sauce, and a garnish of pine nuts fried in butter. Traditionally enjoyed as a celebratory breakfast, especially during Eid.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyEasy

🧂 Ingredients

  • 2 Pita bread(Standard size (approx. 6-8 inches diameter))
  • 400 g Chickpeas(Canned, drained and rinsed, or home-cooked)
  • 400 g Plain yogurt(Full-fat or Greek yogurt for a richer sauce)
  • 3 tbsp Tahini(Ensure it's well-stirred)
  • 2 cloves Garlic(Minced or crushed into a paste)
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice(Freshly squeezed)
  • 50 g Pine nuts
  • 30 g Unsalted butter
  • to taste Salt
  • 2-3 tbsp Water(Optional, to thin the yogurt sauce if needed)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the pita: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut or tear the pita bread into bite-sized pieces. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from oven and set aside.

    ⏱️ 10-12 minutes
  2. 2

    Warm the chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly. Place the drained chickpeas in a small saucepan with a splash of water (about 2-3 tablespoons) or a little olive oil. Heat gently over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid overcooking, as they should retain some texture.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  3. 3

    Make the yogurt sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water, one at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  4. 4

    Toast the pine nuts: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-4 minutes, or until they are fragrant and golden brown. Be very careful, as pine nuts can burn quickly. Remove from heat immediately once toasted.

    ⏱️ 3-5 minutes
  5. 5

    Assemble the Fatteh: To serve, place the toasted pita pieces in the bottom of a shallow serving dish or individual bowls. Spoon the warm chickpeas evenly over the pita. Drizzle the creamy yogurt-tahini sauce generously over the chickpeas. Finally, spoon the butter-fried pine nuts (along with the butter) over the top as a garnish.

    ⏱️ 2 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

  • For best results, assemble Fatteh just before serving to ensure the pita remains crisp and the yogurt sauce is cool.
  • The contrast between the warm chickpeas and the cool yogurt sauce is key to this dish.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice to your preference.
  • Fatteh is a beloved dish for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, often served as a hearty breakfast or brunch.

🔄 Variations

  • Add crumbled cooked lamb or beef for a meatier version.
  • Incorporate fried or roasted eggplant slices for an 'Fatteh Batinjan'.
  • A sprinkle of sumac or chopped fresh parsley can add extra color and flavor.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving

Caloriesapprox. 420 per serving
Protein18g
Carbs42g
Fat22g
Fiber8g

🏷️ Tags

Lebanese Fatteh Recipe - Lebanon | world.food