Yemeni Fatah
Yemen Fatah is a comforting and hearty traditional Middle Eastern dish made from pieces of flatbread soaked in savory stock, creating a soft, porridge-like texture. It's typically drizzled with aromatic clarified butter infused with garlic and spices, and finished with a touch of vinegar and fresh herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 pieces Flatbread(Yemeni lahooh or pita bread recommended)
- 4 cups Beef or chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons Clarified butter (ghee)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper(or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons White vinegar(or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Tear the flatbread into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large serving bowl or dish.
💡 Tip: Using slightly stale bread can help it absorb liquid better without becoming too mushy. - 2
Heat the beef or chicken stock in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Pour the hot stock over the torn flatbread, ensuring all pieces are well soaked. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
In a small skillet, melt the clarified butter (ghee) over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Stir the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper into the melted butter and garlic mixture. Cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
⏱️ 30 seconds - 6
Drizzle the spiced butter mixture evenly over the soaked flatbread.
💡 Tip: Ensure an even distribution for consistent flavor. - 7
Add the white vinegar for a tangy contrast and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for garnish.
💡 Tip: Adjust vinegar to your preferred level of tanginess. - 8
Serve warm immediately as a hearty meal or a flavorful side dish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use homemade beef or chicken stock.
- ✓If you don't have clarified butter (ghee), regular butter can be used, but be mindful of potential burning.
- ✓Adjust the amount of vinegar to your liking.
- ✓Freshly chopped cilantro adds a bright finish.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the spiced butter for a hint of heat.
- Some variations include a dollop of yogurt on top.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.