1285. Aubergine Mince Meat Fetteh

The concept of fetteh originally is to use up whatever the family had in the kitchen. As such, the dish is highly customizable and can adhere to vegetarian or carnivore palates without discrimination. Bread and yogurt are inseparable staples in the Levant kitchen. As are vegetables, but those vary according to the season. Grains (rice, burghul, freekeh) are optional, but always favored. Got meat (or chicken)? Throw that in as well, and you got yourself a fetteh.
So this particular one hands over the spot light to aubergines. I don't know who can resist a well-fried aubergine, and this is one more way to maximize on them. Each of the components plays a role in the final outcome, and I think this is the winning ratio combination.


Ingredients:

3 large Lebanese bread discs
2 cups rice, soaked 2 hours
1 tsp allspice
3 medium aubergines
1 onion, chopped
500g minced meat
1 tsp coriander powder
1 1/2 tsp paprika
2 cloves garlic, grated
2 cups yogurt
oil, salt, pepper
fried pinenuts, to serve
pomegranate or barberries, to serve


Method:

1. Cut the bread into squares, fry until golden and crispy, set aside to drain on paper towels until needed. Fry the pinenuts if using and set aside.
2. Cube the aubergines into bite-sized, fry until golden and cooked through. Let drain from excess oil on paper towels, salt lightly, set aside until needed.
3. Cook the rinsed and drained rice with some oil, a teaspoon of allspice, and a teaspoon of salt for 20 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
4. While the rice is cooking, saute the minced meat and chopped onions until browned. Add the coriander powder, paprika, and a teaspoon of salt and pepper.
5. Before serving: In a separate pan, saute the crushed garlic in a tablespoon of oil until fragrant. Add the yogurt and a sprinkle of salt, switch off the heat and stir to warm through the yogurt.
6. To assemble: Lay out the fried bread squares over the bottom of a rimmed serving dish. Lay the cooked rice (still steaming hot) over the bread. Scatter the fried aubergines over the rice. Spread the hot cooked minced meat over he aubergines. Drizzle the warmed yogurt over the meat. Finally sprinkle the fried pinenuts and barberries, if using, over the top.
7. Serve immediately.

صحة و عافية