Dive into the flavors of the Middle East with the Ultimate Sabich Sandwich. This traditional Israeli sandwich is a delicious medley of fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini, all wrapped in a fluffy pita. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Sabich offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Dietary Fiber: 10 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
- Sodium: 600 mg
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant (about 300 grams / 10.5 ounces), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
- 4 pita breads
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup pickled cucumbers, sliced
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce
- 1/4 cup amba (mango pickle sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method of Preparation
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Pat the slices dry with a paper towel.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Dice the tomatoes and cucumber.
- Finely chop the red onion.
- Shred the lettuce.
- Boil the eggs for about 10 minutes, then cool them in ice water.
- Peel and slice the eggs.
- Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or the oven.
- Slice each pita open to form a pocket.
- Spread a generous amount of tahini sauce inside each pita.
- Layer with fried eggplant slices, hard-boiled egg slices, diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, shredded lettuce, and pickled cucumbers.
- Drizzle with more tahini sauce and amba sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Sabich sandwiches immediately while the eggplant is still warm.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Eggplant: Make sure to salt and pat dry the eggplant slices before frying to reduce bitterness and improve texture.
- Pita: Use fresh, fluffy pita bread for the best results. Slightly warming the pita makes it easier to open and fill.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake the eggplant instead of frying it?- Yes, you can bake the eggplant slices at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option.
- If you can’t find amba sauce, you can use a bit of mango chutney or simply skip it and add more tahini sauce.
- Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the sandwich just before serving.
- Traditional Sabich contains eggs, but you can make it vegan by substituting with tofu scramble or chickpea patties.
Treat yourself to the Ultimate Sabich Sandwich, a delightful combination of flavors and textures that brings a taste of the Middle East to your kitchen. Whether you're new to Sabich or a longtime fan, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.