Fata Kawaree & Soup

I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for food with you! Today, I'm excited to introduce you to a delicious and unique dish that you may not have tried before: Fatta al Karee, also known as Fatta Kawaree. This dish is a popular Middle Eastern specialty that has gained popularity in restaurants across the United States. Along with the Fatta Kawaree, I'll also explain the soup that often accompanies it, which is called Maraq.

Fatta al Karee, also known as Fatta Kawaree, is a hearty and flavorful dish that features tender pieces of braised beef or lamb that have been slow-cooked in a rich and aromatic tomato and garlic-based sauce. The sauce is seasoned with a mixture of spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, which give the dish a warm and comforting flavor profile. This dish is often served over a bed of crispy, toasted pita bread that has been soaked in a tangy and refreshing yogurt and cucumber sauce called shata.

The yogurt and cucumber sauce, shata, is made by combining plain yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The mixture is then seasoned with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. This sauce adds a refreshing and cooling element to the dish, which perfectly balances the rich and savory flavors of the braised meat and spiced tomato sauce.

The soup that often accompanies Fatta Kawaree is called Maraq. Maraq is a simple yet flavorful soup made with a broth made from braising the beef or lamb for the Fatta Kawaree. The soup is seasoned with a mixture of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which give the soup a warm and aromatic flavor profile. The soup is often garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, which adds a burst of bright and refreshing flavor to the soup.

Fatta Kawaree and Maraq are both dishes that are meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, and they are often served during special occasions and celebrations. These dishes are perfect for anyone who loves rich, savory flavors, and they are a great way to experience the unique and delicious flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.

In order to make Fatta Kawaree, you will need to start by braising the beef or lamb in water or broth, along with tomato paste, garlic, and spices. Once the meat is tender and falling apart, you can remove it from the pot and strain the cooking liquid to use as the base for the Maraq soup. Next, you will need to make the shata yogurt and cucumber sauce. To make the shata, simply combine plain yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

To serve, begin by placing a layer of toasted pita bread on the bottom of a large platter. Ladle the braised beef or lamb and spiced tomato sauce over the pita bread, followed by a drizzle of shata yogurt and cucumber sauce. Repeat this process until all of the ingredients have been used up, finishing with a layer of shata on top. Serve the Maraq soup on the side, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Fatta Kawaree and Maraq are both dishes that are sure to delight and satisfy, and they are a great way to expand your culinary horizons. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, these dishes are accessible and easy to make, and they are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. So the next time you're looking to try something new and delicious, give Fatta

Kawaree and Maraq a try!