As Ramadan 2024 approaches, immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Middle East with our tantalizing Fattah recipe. Fattah holds a special significance during the holy month of Ramadan, where families come together to break their fast and share in the spirit of unity and generosity. This traditional dish not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the soul, symbolizing the values of community, compassion, and gratitude.

To watch the cooking video, click on the link: How to make Egyptian Fattah (Rice -Meat -Bread dish) Classic Egyptian Food

Cultural Significance:

During Ramadan, Fattah takes center stage on dining tables across the Arab world, serving as a symbol of abundance and tradition. Families eagerly anticipate the moment of iftar, when they gather to partake in this culinary masterpiece, breaking their fast with the comforting flavors of tender meat, fragrant rice, and crispy bread. Fattah embodies the spirit of Ramadan, fostering a sense of togetherness and solidarity as communities come together to share in the blessings of the month.

Ingredients:

For the meat:

- 1 kg beef or lamb, cut into cubes

- Water for boiling

- 3 bay leaves

- 3 cardamom pods

- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed

For the rice:

- 500g Egyptian rice

- 2 tablespoons vegetable ghee

- Salt to taste

- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 3 cups of meat broth

For the sauce:

- 1 tablespoon animal or vegetable ghee

- 4 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 tablespoon vinegar

- 3 tablespoons soy sauce

For serving:

- Traditional Middle Eastern bread, toasted

Preparation:

Boiling the Meat:

1-In a large pot, bring water to a boil.

 2-Add the meat cubes, bay leaves, cardamom pods, and crushed garlic to the boiling water.

 3-Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, then skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

4- Remove the meat from the water and set aside.

Preparing the Rice:

1- Rinse the Egyptian rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.

2- In a separate pot, melt the vegetable ghee over low heat.

3- Add the drained rice to the melted ghee and stir to coat the grains.

4- Season with salt and ground black pepper.

5- Pour in 3 cups of the reserved meat broth and bring to a simmer.

6- Cover the pot and let the rice cook until tender and fluffy, about 15-20 minutes.

Making the Sauce:

1- In a small saucepan, melt the animal or vegetable ghee over low heat.

2- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.

3- Stir in the ground coriander and cook for another minute.

4- Add the vinegar and soy sauce, stirring well to combine.

5- Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat.

Assembling the Fattah:

1- Arrange the toasted bread pieces in a serving dish to form a base layer.

2- Spoon the cooked rice over the bread, spreading it evenly.

3- Arrange the boiled meat cubes on top of the rice.

4- Pour the prepared sauce over the meat and rice, ensuring even distribution.

5- Garnish with fresh herbs or additional spices if desired.

Serving:

1-Serve the Fattah immediately, allowing guests to dig into the layers of flavors and textures.

2-Enjoy the Fattah with family and friends, savoring each bite of this comforting and satisfying dish.

Important Notes:

1- Be sure to skim off any foam that rises to the surface while boiling the meat to ensure a clear and flavorful broth.

2- Adjust the seasoning of the rice and sauce according to your personal taste preferences.

3- Toast the bread until crispy to add texture and enhance the overall flavor of the Fattah.

4- For a richer flavor, consider using animal ghee instead of vegetable ghee in the rice and sauce.

5- Serve the Fattah hot to fully appreciate its aromatic flavors and tender meat.

Note: This dish may not be suitable for individuals with high blood pressure, garlic allergies, digestive disorders, following low-carb diets, specific dietary restrictions, or managing weight due to its high sodium, garlic content, potential for digestive discomfort, carb content, and calorie/fat content.

Nutrition Value

For 1 kg beef or lamb, cut into cubes:

- Calories: Approximately 2,000-2,500 calories

- Carbohydrates: Negligible

- Protein: Approximately 100-120 grams

- Fat: Approximately 100-150 grams

- Sodium: Varies depending on preparation

- Cholesterol: Approximately 300-400 milligrams

- Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in B vitamins (especially B12), iron, zinc, and selenium

Benefits: Excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Provides iron for healthy blood circulation and zinc for immune function. Contains B vitamins for energy metabolism and selenium for antioxidant protection.

For water for boiling:

- Calories: None

- Carbohydrates: None

- Protein: None

- Fat: None

- Sodium: None

- Cholesterol: None

Benefits: Essential for boiling meat and infusing flavors, but no nutritional content.

For 3 bay leaves:

- Calories: Negligible

- Carbohydrates: Negligible

- Protein: Negligible

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Negligible

- Cholesterol: None

Benefits: Provides a subtle aroma and flavor to the dish. Contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like calcium and magnesium.

For 3 cardamom pods:

- Calories: Negligible

- Carbohydrates: Negligible

- Protein: Negligible

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Negligible

- Cholesterol: None

Benefits: Adds a fragrant, slightly spicy flavor to the dish. Contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

For 3 cloves of garlic, crushed:

- Calories: Approximately 40-50 calories

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 9-12 grams

- Protein: Approximately 1.8-2.4 grams

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Negligible

- Cholesterol: None

- Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

Benefits: Provides immune-boosting antioxidants, supports heart health, and may help reduce inflammation.

For 500g Egyptian rice:

- Calories: Approximately 700-800 calories

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 150-180 grams

- Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Minimal

- Cholesterol: None

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of B vitamins (thiamine, niacin, and folate) and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus

Benefits: A staple source of energy in many diets, providing complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Contains some B vitamins and minerals for overall health and well-being.

For 2 tablespoons vegetable ghee:

- Calories: Approximately 240-280 calories

- Carbohydrates: None

- Protein: None

- Fat: Approximately 28-32 grams

- Sodium: None

- Cholesterol: None

Benefits: Provides a source of healthy fats for cooking. May contain small amounts of vitamins E and K.

For salt to taste:

- Calories: None

- Carbohydrates: None

- Protein: None

- Fat: None

- Sodium: Varies based on amount used

- Cholesterol: None

Benefits: Enhances flavor, but excessive consumption may contribute to high blood pressure in some individuals.

For 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper:

- Calories: Negligible

- Carbohydrates: Negligible

- Protein: Negligible

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Negligible

- Cholesterol: None

Benefits: Adds a spicy, pungent flavor to the dish. Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.

For 3 cups of meat broth:

- Calories: Approximately 60-100 calories

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2-4 grams

- Protein: Approximately 4-8 grams

- Fat: Varies depending on ingredients

- Sodium: Varies depending on salt content

- Cholesterol: Varies depending on type of meat used

Benefits: Provides additional flavor and moisture to the dish. Contains nutrients extracted from the meat and vegetables used to make the broth.

For 1 tablespoon animal or vegetable ghee:

- Calories: Approximately 120-140 calories

- Carbohydrates: None

- Protein: None

- Fat: Approximately 14-16 grams

- Sodium: None

- Cholesterol: None

Benefits: Provides a source of healthy fats for cooking. May contain small amounts of vitamins E and K.

For 4 cloves of garlic, minced:

- Calories: Approximately 40-50 calories

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 9-12 grams

- Protein: Approximately 1.8-2.4 grams

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Negligible

- Cholesterol: None

- Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

Benefits: Provides immune-boosting antioxidants, supports heart health, and may help reduce inflammation.

For 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander:

Calories: Negligible

Carbohydrates: Negligible

Protein: Negligible

Fat: Negligible

Sodium: Negligible

Cholesterol: None

Benefits: Adds a citrusy, herbal flavor to the dish. Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.

For 1 tablespoon vinegar:

Calories: Approximately 3-5 calories

Carbohydrates: Negligible

Protein: Negligible

Fat: Negligible

Sodium: Negligible

Cholesterol: None

Benefits: Adds tanginess to the sauce. May provide small amounts of acetic acid, which has been linked to potential health benefits like improved blood sugar control and appetite regulation.

For 3 tablespoons soy sauce:

Calories: Approximately 30-40 calories

Carbohydrates: Approximately 3-4 grams

Protein: Approximately 3 grams

Fat: Negligible

Sodium: Approximately 2,700-3,000 milligrams

Cholesterol: None

Benefits: Adds savory flavor and umami to the dish. Contains soy protein and may provide small amounts of minerals like iron and potassium.