Chicken fatteh

chicken_fatteh

Lebanese cuisine is famous for its rich and delicious flavours that tantalize the taste buds. One of the most popular Lebanese dishes is Chicken Fatteh, which is a multi-layered dish consisting of toasted pita bread, a layer of chickpeas, fragrant yogurt sauce, and tender, juicy chicken pieces. It is then topped with toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Fatteh originated in the Levant region and is a staple in Lebanese cuisine. It is a popular dish served as a main course during family gatherings, special occasions, and at restaurants. The traditional recipe is made with lamb, but chicken fatteh has become increasingly popular due to its lighter and healthier taste.

The chicken fatteh recipe is easy to make and uses basic ingredients such as yogurt, chickpeas, garlic, fresh herbs, and chicken. To give the dish a unique flavour, spices like cumin, paprika, and sumac are also added.

The first step to making chicken fatteh is to cook the chicken. The chicken is seasoned with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, then cooked until golden brown. The chicken is then shredded and set aside.

The next step is to prepare the yogurt sauce, which is a crucial element of the dish. Yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice are mixed together, giving the sauce a tangy taste that balances the other elements of the dish.

The chickpeas are the third element of the dish and can be either canned or cooked from scratch. The chickpeas are seasoned with cumin, sumac, and garlic, then cooked until soft and tender.

The final layer of the dish is the toasted pita bread, which adds a crispy texture to the creamy yogurt sauce and tender chicken. The pita bread is brushed with olive oil, seasoned with salt, and baked in the oven for a few minutes until it is golden brown.

Once all the elements of the dish are prepared, it’s time to assemble the fatteh. To assemble, start with a layer of chickpeas, followed by a layer of toasted pita bread, then a layer of shredded chicken, and finally a generous helping of the yogurt sauce. Repeat the layers once more to create a multi-layered, delicious dish.

Finally, the dish is finished with toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, generally parsley or cilantro. The pine nuts add a nutty flavour that complements the other elements of the dish, while the fresh herbs give the dish a vibrant green colour and a fresh taste.

In conclusion, Chicken Fatteh is a mouth-watering Lebanese dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family gathering or special occasion. The dish is healthy, delicious, and full of flavour notes that highlight the unique combination of spice, creaminess, and textures. The dish is a testament to Lebanese cuisine and its rich heritage, and it is sure to delight those who try it.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of cooked chickpeas
  • 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 500g of boneless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 tbsp of Lebanese 7 spice blend
  • 1 tbsp of garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 large pita bread, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp of tahini paste
  • 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup of pine nuts
  • Fresh parsley leaves for serving

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.

  2. Add the chicken breasts, Lebanese 7 spice blend, garlic, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.

  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  4. In a separate baking dish, spread the bite-sized pita bread on the bottom to form an even layer. Bake for 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden brown.

  5. In a bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, tahini paste, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

  6. To assemble the fatteh, spread the cooked chickpeas evenly on top of the baked pita bread.

  7. Pour the chicken and onion mixture over the chickpeas.

  8. Pour the yogurt and tahini mixture over the chicken.

  9. Sprinkle the pine nuts over the top.

  10. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and serve immediately.