Shiitake Mushroom Fatteh with Walnut, Dill and Pomegranate Molasses
- Makes4 servings
"Fatteh, derived from an old Arabic verb meaning 'to break bread and steep in liquid,' is a common dish across the Middle East. The base is bread, but the toppings vary from eggplants (aubergines) and chickpeas, to rice and a variety of meats. The sauces are just as varied with some yogurt-based, others tahini-based, and others broth- or lemon-based. Moona, a restaurant in Boston serving up creative Middle Eastern dishes based on pantry ingredients (moona means 'pantry' in Arabic), has a version made with mushrooms. The first time I tried the dish, I was skeptical. 'Mushrooms?!' I thought. But I was blown away by the flavors and textures. Mushrooms have an earthy, meaty taste that is superbly complemented by the sweet tartness of pomegranate molasses, the crunchiness of the toasted bread and nuts, and the brightness of the yogurt-tahini dressing. Just another example of how pushing boundaries can lead to delicious surprises." — Friend of Milk Street Reem Kassis
Reprinted with permission from "The Arabesque Table: Contemporary Recipes from the Arab World," by Reem Kassis (Phaidon, April 2021)
"Ideally, this is made with pure pomegranate molasses that does not have any added sugar. But if you are making this with a brand that happens to have sugar, leave out the honey." — Reem Kassis
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