West African-inspired Fatteh

Ingredients

In this West African adaptation of Fatteh, we replace the traditional ingredients like tahini and sumac with West African spices such as ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Additionally, we incorporate caramelized plantains to add a touch of sweetness and a unique flavor profile to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Fatteh, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced 4 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
• 4 pita bread, cut into bite-sized pieces 4 pita bread, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (200g) cooked chickpeas 1 cup (200g) cooked chickpeas
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking Olive oil for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 20g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (15g sugars)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute.
4. 4.
   Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the onion mixture. Add the cayenne pepper, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for a few minutes until the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. 5.
   Place the sliced plantains on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and caramelized.
6. 6.
   In a separate baking sheet, spread the pita bread pieces and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until crispy.
7. 7.
   In a serving dish, layer the toasted pita bread, cooked chickpeas, and spiced ground beef.
8. 8.
   Spread the plain yogurt over the layers.
9. 9.
   Arrange the caramelized plantains on top of the yogurt.
10. 10.
    Drizzle the lemon juice over the dish and garnish with fresh cilantro.
11. 11.
    Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Make sure to use ripe plantains for this recipe as they will provide the desired sweetness and soft texture when caramelized.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some chopped chili peppers.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
• Experiment with different toppings such as chopped peanuts or toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the West African-inspired Fatteh as a main course for lunch or dinner. It can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro and a pinch of paprika on top of the dish. Serve it in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the layers and colors.