Entree: Egypt – Egyptian Street Food – فتّة ➤ Fattah (Layered rice and toasted bread topped with slow-cooked meat and a tangy garlic‑vinegar tomato sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 40 min

Cook 2 hrs

Total 2 hrs 40 min

Ingredients

- 1.5 lb (700 g) beef chuck or short ribs, bone-in or in large pieces
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
- 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
- 2 cups (370 g) long‑grain rice, rinsed until water runs clear
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter
- 4 large pita breads, torn into pieces (8 oz / 225 g)
- Vegetable oil for frying bread, about 1 cup (240 ml) or use olive oil for shallow frying
- 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) white vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice (optional)
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) sugar (to balance acidity, optional)
- 1/3 cup (45 g) toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the beef with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown the meat on all sides, 6–8 minutes.
2. Add 4 cups beef broth to the pot, bring to a simmer, cover, and braise gently until the meat is very tender, about 1.5–2 hours. Remove meat, reserve broth, and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces (remove excess bone/fat).
3. While meat braises, rinse the rice. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan, add rice and lightly toast for 2 minutes, then add 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of the reserved strained broth (or water) and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15–18 minutes.
4. Heat oil in a skillet or deep pan and fry the torn pita pieces until crisp and golden, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and season lightly with salt.
5. In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups tomato sauce, minced garlic, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice (if using), and 1/2 tsp sugar. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes to blend flavors; adjust salt and acidity to taste. If desired, lightly mash a few garlic cloves into the sauce for a stronger garlicky punch.
6. To assemble, spread half the rice on a large serving platter, top with half the crispy pita, spoon over half the braised meat, then repeat with remaining rice, pita, and meat. Pour the warm tomato-garlic sauce evenly over the top so it soaks into the layers.
7. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley over the fattah and serve immediately so the bread keeps some crispness while absorbing sauce.
8. Serve with extra vinegar or plain yogurt on the side if desired.