Egyptian Fatteh

Story behind the dish

Egyptian Fatteh is a beloved comfort food that layers flavors, textures, and memories. This hearty dish combines tender meat, fragrant rice, crispy bread, and a zesty tomato sauce—creating a symphony of tastes that bring families together around the table. Each bite offers a glimpse into Egyptian culinary traditions, blending simple ingredients into something truly special. As you prepare this dish, you're not just cooking; you're creating a warm, soulful experience to share and savor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef
• 1 onion
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 2 tomatoes
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups rice
• 1/4 cup noodles (like vermicelli or similar)
• 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) butter
• 2 cups olive oil
• 1 pita bread
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Step-by-step

1. Rip the pita bread into bite-sized pieces. In a frying pan, melt about 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) of butter and fry the bread until golden and crispy. Transfer the bread to a square glass baking dish and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add a little more butter, a pinch of salt, about 2 crushed garlic cloves, and 1 tsp cumin. Stir until fragrant, then toss the fried bread pieces back into the pan to coat in the aromatic garlic and cumin. Mix well and return to the baking dish.
3. For the meat, melt some butter in a pot. Add the beef, browning it on all sides. Toss in a quartered onion, salt, pepper, and the chicken bouillon cube. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for about 2 hours until tender. Once cooled, remove the meat and set aside; keep the broth separate.
4. To prepare the rice, melt a bit of butter in a pot. Add a handful of noodles and fry until golden. Stir in 2 cups rice, cooking until some grains turn opaque white. Pour in 2 1/4 cups water, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for approximately 35 minutes, until tender.
5. Once the meat broth is ready, spoon some over the bread pieces in the baking dish to saturate them. Spread the cooked rice over the bread, then slowly pour in more broth until the rice is just topped off—don’t worry if it’s not exact!
6. For the sauce, heat a little oil or butter in a pan. Add crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp tomato paste, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and 1 tsp cumin. Stir in 3 tbsp white wine vinegar until fragrant and slightly thickened. Spread this sauce evenly over the rice.
7. To fry the meat, heat a bit of oil or butter in a skillet. Add the beef chunks, 1 tbsp tomato paste, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and 1 tsp cumin. Cook until the meat is golden and fragrant.
8. Spoon the fried beef on top of the sauce-covered rice and serve hot, garnished with a smile.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs over the dish before serving.
• Serve with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a complete Egyptian feast.

Closing thoughts

Egyptian Fatteh transforms everyday ingredients into a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures. Its layers of crispy bread, savory meat, fragrant rice, and tangy sauce create a dish that’s truly satisfying. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this recipe invites warmth and togetherness to your table. Embrace the aroma of cumin and garlic as you prepare this special dish—each bite will carry a piece of Egypt’s rich culinary heritage into your home. Enjoy!