Fattah bi-az-zayt - Note by Note Style

Ingredients

In the original Fattah bi-az-zayt, the bread is traditionally soaked in a mixture of olive oil and yogurt, creating a soft and moist texture. In this Note by Note adaptation, we deconstruct the dish by transforming the bread into a crispy crumble and the yogurt into a foam. Additionally, we concentrate the flavors of the olive oil to create a more intense taste experience. We alse have the original recipe for Fattah bi-az-zayt, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) stale bread, cut into small cubes 200g (7 oz) stale bread, cut into small cubes
• 50g (1.8 oz) olive oil 50g (1.8 oz) olive oil
• 100g (3.5 oz) plain yogurt 100g (3.5 oz) plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with 30g (1 oz) of olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
3. 3.
   Bake the bread cubes for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
4. 4.
   In a bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, and salt. Mix well to combine.
5. 5.
   In a small saucepan, heat the remaining 20g (0.7 oz) of olive oil over low heat until warm.
6. 6.
   To serve, divide the crispy bread cubes among serving plates. Drizzle the warm olive oil over the bread cubes.
7. 7.
   Spoon the yogurt mixture over the bread cubes, creating a foam-like texture.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bread — Using stale bread will ensure a crispier texture. If you don't have stale bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread before cutting it into cubes.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra flavor boost, you can add a sprinkle of sumac or za'atar to the yogurt mixture.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat or sourdough, to add depth to the dish.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the yogurt mixture until creamy before spooning it over the bread cubes.
• Drizzle some pomegranate molasses over the dish for a tangy and sweet twist.
• Serve the Fattah bi-az-zayt with a side of fresh vegetables or a crisp salad to add freshness to the meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Fattah bi-az-zayt as a light lunch or appetizer. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

To create an elegant presentation, arrange the crispy bread cubes in a neat pile on the plate. Spoon the yogurt foam over the bread cubes, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley for a pop of color.