Yemeni Fatah Dessert
When I moved to Brooklyn a few years ago, I had stumbled upon what felt like one of the most authentic Yemeni restaurants I had ever been to. It was bustling with people, all I could hear was Arabic, and I was the only woman not wearing hijab. Some places you walk into in NYC and you get this feeling like you're in some other country, and that's exactly how I felt. It was absolutely awesome! My meal started with lentil soup, then slow roasted lamb haneeth, and ended with fatah - a traditional Yemeni dessert made with chopped bread caramelized in butter and honey with cream and nigella seeds on top.
Some places you walk into in NYC and you get this feeling like you're in some other country.
These lovely black seeds impart an oregano-y herbaceous flavor and are often used in South Asian savory foods so I thought they were black sesame seeds at first. But years later, I found out that they are in fact the same little suckers my mom uses in her cholay as well as her stomach soothing remedy of crushed up nigella seeds and water. See below for health benefits of nigella seeds. Instead of the traditional cream, I’ve substituted yogurt in this recipe to make it a little bit healthier but no less tasty. Yes, please, and shukran!
Yemeni Fatah Dessert
Makes 4 servings
Calories per serving: 145
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Ingredients
1 large flat bread
1/2 Tbs. ghee or butter
1/2 tsp. nigella seeds
1 Tbs. honey
1/2 cup greek yogurt
Method
Cut bread into small pieces.
Heat a pan with butter on medium high heat. Add nigella seeds to pan and fry for 1-2 minutes.
Add bread to pan and fry until crispy.
Drizzle with honey. Top over yogurt, drizzle with more honey, and enjoy.
Health Benefits of Nigella Seeds
Often used in South Asian cuisine going by the name “kalonji,” nigella seeds have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties. In a sample of 66 men and women who experienced nasal congestion, runny and itchy nose, and sneezing, nigella seeds reduced symptoms during the first two weeks.* They have also been known to help with digestion, asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure. They can be added to sauces, salads, soups, and smoothies.
*Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/nigella-sativa-89064
