Egyptian Fattah (Rice, Bread, and Meat)

  • Total time - 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Preparation - 30 minutes
  • Cooking time - 2 hours
  • Servings: 6
  • Country: Egypt
A rich layered bowl of Fattah with crispy bread, rice, and chunks of beef.

Fattah is a celebratory dish that brings families and friends together. It is prepared with care, and each layer has its significance. The toasted bread symbolizes richness, the rice abundance, the meat strength, and the tomato-garlic sauce adds a unique and unforgettable flavor. This recipe will guide you through the process of preparing each layer so you can enjoy the authentic taste of Egypt at home.

Ingredients

For the meat and broth

  • 1 kg beef (e.g., shoulder)
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • salt

For the rice

  • 2 cups long-grain rice
  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • salt

For the bread

  • 3 pita bread, cut into cubes
  • 3 tablespoons ghee or oil

For the tomato-garlic sauce

  • 1 can (400 g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 5 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 3 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • salt and black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cooking the meat and preparing the broth

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the beef in water with the onion and whole black peppercorns. Simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface. Remove the meat and shred it. Strain the broth and set it aside.

Step 2: Preparing the rice

Rinse the rice thoroughly and drain it. In a pot, melt the butter or ghee, add the rice, and stir for a minute. Add salt and pour in two cups of the meat broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender (about 20 minutes).

Step 3: Preparing the bread

In a frying pan, heat the ghee or oil and toast the bread cubes until they are crispy and golden brown. Alternatively, you can toast them in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Preparing the sauce

In a small pan, melt the butter or ghee. Add the crushed garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Add the vinegar and stir. Quickly add the tomato paste and ground coriander. Cook for another 5 minutes. Add a cup of the meat broth to the sauce and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Layering and serving

Place a layer of the toasted bread at the bottom of a serving dish. Pour hot broth over it to soften the bread. Add a layer of the cooked rice. Drizzle a generous amount of the tomato-garlic sauce over the rice. Top with the shredded meat and garnish with the remaining fried garlic and coriander. Serve immediately.