A delightful culinary journey awaits with Fattet Makdous, an exquisite casserole dish originating from the vibrant Levant region, particularly Syria and Lebanon. Experience the harmonious fusion of flavors and textures as layers of crispy pita bread, savory minced meat, tangy fried eggplant, and aromatic rice come together in perfect harmony. This beloved dish holds a special place in Middle Eastern cuisine, often gracing festive gatherings and family celebrations. In this comprehensive guide, we present a collection of Fattet Makdous recipes, each offering a unique interpretation of this classic dish. From traditional variations to contemporary twists, discover the diverse culinary heritage and indulge in a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Let's cook with our recipes!
EGGPLANT CASSEROLE (FATET MAKDOUS)
Saw this made on "The Chew" - recipe is from Mais Khoudrdaji. The recipe uses pomegranate molasses (available at Middle Eastern markets) in a meat/eggplant/tomato sauce and is then covered with a delicious garlic yogurt & pine nuts. Looked absolutely wonderful.
Provided by DailyInspiration
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 1h5m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cut the eggplants up into medium-sized cubes. Fry them in olive oil until golden brown, set aside and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Fry up 3 pitas, drain. Break up into pieces.
- Brown ground beef, onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Once the onions have cooked down, add the tomatoes and tomato sauce, and pomegranate molasses. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes; then add eggplant to the pan. Taste again for seasoning. Let it all cook together for another 15 minutes, until all the flavors combine. Should be a little tangy/sour from the pomegranate molasses.
- In a bowl, combine yogurt with the mashed garlic. It should have a garlicky taste. Season with salt.
- In a 13 x9 casserole dish, add bottom layer of broken pita pieces. Next fill the dish with the meat/eggplant mixture. Top with the yogurt mixture. Toast pine nuts in clarified butter. Top yogurt with pine nuts and butter. Garnish with parsley.
EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
With lots of vegetables, this good-for-you dish is low in calories, but full of flavor. I make it often in summer when fresh produce is abundant.-Marelyn Baugher, Holdredge, Nebraska
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil; add eggplant. Boil for 5-8 minutes or until tender;drain and set aside. , In a skillet, cook beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until tomato is tender. Remove from the heat. Stir in milk, egg and eggplant; mix well., Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Toss bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 278 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 93mg cholesterol, Sodium 151mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 21g protein.
FATTET AL MAKDOUS
Syrian eggplant fatteh. Roasted Eggplant dish with ground beef, pita chips and yogurt sauce bursting with flavors and textures.
Provided by Amira
Categories Main Course
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat a nonstick pan on medium. add the eggplant pieces, brushing with olive oil on both sides, until nicely browned. Takes about 2 minutes per side.
- While the eggplants are cooking start preparing the meat, in another skillet over medium heat add 2 Tablespoon oil , then saute onion for 2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Add the meat and spices, stirring well until the meat is almost completely browned.
- Add the tomato paste and stir well to combine, let it cook for another 5 minutes then remove from heat.
- Prepare the pita chips by deep frying( tastiest option), or toasting in the oven until golden brown(healthiest option) or buy a bag of pita chips(easiest option, the one I did).
- Mix the yogurt sauce ingredients well.
- Assemble the dish by layering the pita chips on the bottom of your serving dish.
- Top with a layer of roasted eggplants.
- Then a layer of the saucy meat.
- Then another layer of the eggplants, and so on until the eggplants are finished, make sure to end with an eggplant layer.
- Top with the yogurt sauce and sprinkle some roasted nuts on top , preferably pine nuts.
- Serve immediately... Enjoy!!.
EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
This is such a good and healthy for you casserole- even those that think they don't like eggplant will like this dish. A friend of mine served this at a church dinner. Of coarse I had to have the recipe, and now you can share too! I listed it as Italian, because that is what it reminds me of: I guess it has all the same...
Provided by Pat Duran
Categories Casseroles
Time 1h20m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 1. Cut eggplant into 1 1/2 inch slices or into 1 inch cubes- I like the slices. Peel skin, if desired. Soak eggplant pieces in salted water for 30 minutes; drain and pat real dry. Fry a few pieces of eggplant in olive oil at a time until browned; drain on toweling or paper bag, continue until all are fried;set aside for later. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan; set aside. preheat oven to 325^.
- 2. Cook ground meat in large skillet until no longer pink, add celery, onions, garlic and seasonings and sauté for 2 minutes with the meat; add the tomatoes and eggplant, being careful to keep it whole.
- 3. Pour into the prepared baking pan. Bake at 325^ for about 45 minutes, sprinkle top with pine nuts and shredded cheese, if desired. Serve over cooked rice or vermicelli.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Eggplant: Select firm, evenly shaped eggplants with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid eggplants with bruises or blemishes, as they may be bitter.
- Soak the Eggplant: Soaking the eggplant slices in salted water helps to remove the bitterness and prevent them from absorbing too much oil during cooking.
- Use Good Quality Olive Oil: Opt for extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
- Layer the Casserole Properly: Arrange the eggplant slices, tomato slices, and onion slices in alternating layers to ensure even cooking and a pleasing presentation.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with the spices and seasonings. A combination of salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and coriander adds depth of flavor to the casserole.
- Cook Slowly and Patiently: The key to a successful eggplant casserole is slow and gentle cooking. Simmer the casserole over low heat for at least 30 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Fattet Makdous is traditionally served with pita bread, yogurt, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. These accompaniments add texture and freshness to the dish.
Conclusion:
Fattet Makdous is a delicious and versatile dish that showcases the flavors of the Mediterranean. With its tender eggplant, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices, it's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a special gathering or simply looking for a comforting meal, this eggplant casserole is sure to satisfy.
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