Authentic and Delicious Fatteh Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
2 tablespoons of olive oil
4 pita breads
4 cups of plain yogurt
2 tablespoons of tahini
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1/2 cup of pine nuts
2 tablespoons of butter
1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley

Steps and instructions

First, season the chicken breasts with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it's no longer pink in the middle. This should take about 7-10 minutes per side. Once cooked, set aside to cool, then shred into small pieces.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Tear the pita bread into small pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven until they're crispy, which should take about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
While the pita is toasting, mix together the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and ground cumin in a bowl to create the sauce.
In a small pan, toast the pine nuts over medium heat with the butter until they're golden brown. Be careful to not let them burn.
To assemble the Fatteh, layer the toasted pita at the bottom of a serving dish. Pour half of the sauce over the bread. Add the shredded chicken on top, then pour the rest of the sauce over the chicken.
Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley on top for garnish.
Serve immediately, while it's still warm. Enjoy your Fatteh!

Tools for making

Skillet - Used to cook the chicken breasts.
Baking sheet - Used to toast the pita bread in the oven.
Mixing bowl - Used to combine the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and cumin for the sauce.
Small pan - Used to toast the pine nuts with butter.
Serving dish - Used to assemble and present the Fatteh.

Recipe variations

Use lamb or beef instead of chicken for a different meat option.
Replace the pita bread with naan or lavash for a different type of crust.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Add a layer of cooked chickpeas or fava beans for extra protein and texture.
Experiment with different herbs and spices in the sauce, such as adding mint or sumac.
Top the Fatteh with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of paprika for additional flavor.
Add diced tomatoes or cucumber slices for a fresh and crunchy element.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pita bread or serve the chicken, sauce, and toppings over cooked rice or quinoa instead.
Consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for a tangy twist.

Recipe overview

Fatteh is a delightful Middle Eastern dish that is known for its unique combination of textures and flavors. This dish is layered with crispy toasted pita bread, tender shredded chicken, a deliciously tangy yogurt-tahini sauce, and is garnished with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley. The result is a meal that's creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. The process of making Fatteh involves a few simple steps. First, you will season and cook the chicken, then shred it. Next, you'll toast pieces of pita bread until they're crispy and create a tasty sauce from yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and cumin. The dish is then assembled in layers, starting with the toasted pita, followed by the sauce, chicken, and another layer of sauce. It's then garnished with pine nuts that are toasted in butter and fresh chopped parsley. Fatteh is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. It's also versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Once you try this delicious dish, it's sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the process of making it and, of course, eating it!

Common questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can absolutely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for plain yogurt in this recipe. However, keep in mind that Greek yogurt is thicker and tangier, so you may want to adjust the amount of lemon juice and tahini to taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Fatteh by omitting the chicken and adding roasted vegetables or chickpeas as a protein substitute. Simply adjust the seasoning and follow the same assembly steps.
Can I prepare the components in advance? Yes, you can prepare the components of this recipe in advance. You can cook and shred the chicken, toast the pita, and make the sauce ahead of time. Just make sure to store them properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the Fatteh and garnish with pine nuts and parsley.
Can I add additional toppings or ingredients? Absolutely! Fatteh is quite versatile, and you can add additional toppings or ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular additions include diced tomatoes, cucumber, chopped mint, or even a drizzle of olive oil.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing ingredients
Knife - Essential for cutting the chicken and chopping garlic and parsley
Skillet - Used to cook the chicken
Baking sheet - Used to toast the pita bread in the oven
Mixing bowl - Used to combine ingredients for the sauce
Small pan - Used to toast the pine nuts with butter
Serving dish - Used to assemble and present the Fatteh

Origin stories

Fatteh, with its comforting layers of crispy bread, creamy yogurt, and tender meat, hails from the rich culinary tradition of the Levant, which includes countries like Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan. The name 'Fatteh' itself comes from the Arabic word 'Fatta', which means 'to crumble' – a fitting name for a dish that features crumbled pieces of toasted pita bread as its base. The dish is a brilliant example of the region's ingenuity in using simple, readily available ingredients to create a meal that is both satisfying and packed with flavor. Traditionally, Fatteh is often prepared for breakfast during Ramadan, but it's also enjoyed as a main meal throughout the year. So, whether you're sitting down to break your fast or simply craving a hearty dinner, Fatteh is a dish that brings the warm, welcoming flavors of the Levant right to your table.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.