🇱🇧 Lebanon · Food
Fatteh Betinjan
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇱🇧 LBA comforting Lebanese layered dish featuring crispy fried eggplant, spiced meat, and toasted pita, all brought together with a garlicky yogurt sauce. It is a quintessential mezze or main course that balances textures perfectly.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Peel the 3 eggplants partially, cut into 2cm cubes, toss with 1 tsp salt, and let drain for 30 minutes to remove bitterness.
- 2
Pat eggplants dry and deep-fry in 100ml oil until golden brown; drain well on paper towels to ensure the final dish isn't greasy.
- 3
In a separate pan, sauté the onions until translucent, add 500g minced beef, and brown thoroughly over medium-high heat.
- 4
Stir in 1 tsp allspice and salt to the meat, add 50g toasted pine nuts, and set aside once fragrant.
- 5
Cut pita bread into squares and toast or fry until crunchy; these serve as the structural base of your dish.
- 6
Whisk together 500g yogurt, 2 cloves minced garlic, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth, tangy sauce.
- 7
Assemble the dish by layering crispy bread, fried eggplant, the meat mixture, and finally pouring the yogurt sauce over the top.
- 8
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional toasted pine nuts before serving immediately while the bread is still crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the eggplant instead of frying?+
Yes, brush with olive oil and bake at 200°C for 25 minutes, though frying provides the traditional deep flavor.
How do I keep the pita from getting soggy?+
Assemble the dish strictly at the last possible minute to ensure the bread retains its signature crunch.
What type of yogurt is best?+
Full-fat Greek-style yogurt or traditional laban is preferred for the best creamy consistency.
Is this a main dish or side?+
It is often served as a hearty main dish, though smaller portions work well as part of a large mezze spread.
🇱🇧 LB
