Fatteh Al Homos

Fatteh al Homos is a layered appetizer or side dish that we enjoy in Lebanon and around the Levant countries. This recipe is the one we make in my hometown Saida, Lebanon and that we enjoy at home during Ramadan or for breakfast. It’s a very flexible dish. You can choose to bake the bread instead of frying as well, add tahini paste instead of garlic, and change up the toppings.

Recipe: (serves 3-4 people)

Bread

2 6in small pita bread (the thick kind), cut into square pieces

2 cups of cooking oil

Yogurt

1 cup Greek yogurt, room temp.

1/4 cup water

1 large garlic clove

1/2 tsp salt

Chickpeas

2 cups cooked chickpeas

2 tbsp salted butter

Topping

1/4 cup pine nuts (preferably the Mediterranean type)

2 tbsp salted butter

1 tsp cinnamon

Other topping options: cashews or almonds instead of pine nuts, and you can use ghee instead of butter.

Directions:

Bread:

1. Cutting a knife with a cutting boar or kitchen scissors, cut the pita into small square. First cut them into long strips horizontally, then cut vertically into a square.

2. In a small frying pan, add cooking oil and bring it to high heat. Add the pita bread slowly without overcrowding the pan. Then with a frying spoon mix the pita in the oil to make sure all the pita is getting fried. Remove immediately when you notice a golden color.

3. Place the fried pita on a plate with a napkin to absorb the excess oil.

Chickpeas:

check my hummus recipe on how to make your own cooked chickpeas at home

1. Add cooked chickpeas to a pan. It can be semi frozen or room temp.

2. Add the butter on the chickpeas and place it on medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and the chickpeas to get hot. Reduce to a simmer, while you prepare the yogurt.

Garlic Yogurt

1. add yogurt to a bowl, with the water, salt, and crushed garlic.

2. Mix the ingredients well using a whisk or spoon. Set aside.

Assemble:

Only assemble 10 minutes before serving to avoid a making the pita bread wet. This dish is usually served immediately! I recommend making the topping after you assemble the pita, chick peas and yogurt.

1. In a large bowl or individual small bowls, add the fried pita as base layer, then the hot chickpeas, then the garlic yogurt.

Toppings

1. In a small pan, add the nuts and butter together. Using a spoon continue to mix them until the nuts are golden in color and the butter has melted. Note: it’s important to be attentive because the nuts will be golden quickly and you want to avoid browned butter

2. Remove immediately and spread the nuts on top of the yogurt with the butter.

3. Sprinkle the cinnamon on top with your fingers.