Chicken Fatah

Chicken Fatah Recipe from Oman with Carrots, Zucchini and Tomatoes

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Fatah is a delicious and hearty Middle Eastern dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a flavorful tomato-based sauce and homemade dumplings, creating a dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Chicken Fatah has its origins in Middle Eastern cuisine, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by many. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings in a savory sauce has been a staple in Middle Eastern households for generations.

Ingredients

1.5 kg of chicken (1.5 large chickens), skinned and cut into pieces
1 large onion
4 cloves of garlic
1 small can of tomato paste
0.5 tsp of black pepper
0.5 tsp of cumin powder
a pinch of red pepper (or to taste)
1 rounded tablespoon of crushed oregano leaves (or zatar)
1 tbsp of sugar
chicken broth (or bouillon cubes with water)
2 – 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 zucchini, chopped (optional)
2 large tomatoes, chopped
a handful of freshly chopped parsley, cilantro or coriander
0.67 cup of white flour
0.67 cup of brown flour
2 tbsp of baking powder
4 tbsp of vegetable oil
0.5 cup of prepared milk

How to prepare

In a medium-large saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in a small amount of oil until the onions are slightly browned.
Add the chicken, spices, sugar, and tomato paste. Sauté while stirring over heat for a minute or two.
Add chicken broth to fill the saucepan up an inch or two over the chicken pieces.
Add the chopped carrots, tomatoes, parsley, and zucchini (optional).
Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.
Add salt to taste.
Prepare dough for the dumplings: mix the white and brown flours with the baking powder.
Add the oil and milk.
Stir with a fork just until mixed; do not overmix the dough.
Handling a third of the dough at a time, roll on a lightly floured surface until thin.
Cut into small squares, approximately 2 cm by 2 cm.
When the chicken is fully cooked, add the mini-dumplings to the pot.
Stir gently, just a little, to cover the dumplings in the liquid.
Add more chicken broth or salt if needed.
The final product should be a thick stew, neither dry nor watery.
Simmer for another 10 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked.
Serve hot.

Variations

You can add chickpeas or lentils to the dish for added protein and fiber.
Try adding different vegetables such as bell peppers or eggplant for a twist on the classic recipe.
For a lighter version, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the onions and garlic before adding the chicken to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Be sure to simmer the chicken in the sauce until it is fully cooked to ensure tender and juicy meat.

- When making the dumplings, be careful not to overmix the dough to avoid tough dumplings.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Fatah is traditionally served with rice or flatbread on the side. You can also serve it with a side salad or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the chicken helps to build flavor in the dish.

- Simmering the chicken in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and ensures tender meat.

- Rolling out the dumplings thinly and cutting them into small squares helps them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken broth or stock instead of water for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have zucchini, you can omit it or substitute with another vegetable such as bell peppers.

- You can use all-purpose flour instead of a combination of white and brown flour for the dumplings.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat and add the dumplings before serving.

- The dumpling dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Fatah in a large serving dish with the dumplings arranged on top for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. - Serve with a dollop of yogurt or tahini sauce on top for added creaminess.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Fatah pairs well with a crisp salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

- Serve with a side of hummus and pita bread for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

- Pair with a glass of white wine or a refreshing mint tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

- You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains wheat and dairy

Summary

Chicken Fatah is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Chicken Fatah is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With tender chicken, vegetables, and homemade dumplings in a savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Lebanon. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was the one who introduced me to the art of cooking. She was a master in the kitchen, and she passed down her knowledge and skills to me with so much love and patience.

One day, as I was helping my grandmother prepare a feast for a family gathering, she handed me a tattered old recipe book that had been passed down through generations. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Chicken Fatah. I had never heard of it before, but the ingredients and instructions sounded intriguing.

My grandmother saw the curiosity in my eyes and smiled knowingly. She explained that Chicken Fatah was a traditional Lebanese dish that was often served at special occasions and celebrations. It consisted of layers of toasted Arabic bread, tender chicken, creamy yogurt sauce, and a fragrant mixture of nuts and herbs. It sounded like a dish fit for royalty.

With my grandmother's guidance, I set out to make Chicken Fatah for the first time. We started by roasting the chicken with a blend of aromatic spices until it was golden and juicy. Then, we toasted the Arabic bread until it was crispy and golden brown. The yogurt sauce was made with fresh yogurt, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice, creating a tangy and creamy base for the dish.

As we assembled the layers of Chicken Fatah in a large serving dish, the kitchen filled with the mouth-watering aroma of roasted chicken and warm spices. My grandmother sprinkled a generous amount of toasted pine nuts, almonds, and fresh parsley on top, adding a burst of color and flavor to the dish.

When we finally sat down to enjoy our creation, my grandmother watched me with pride as I took my first bite of Chicken Fatah. The flavors exploded in my mouth, the tender chicken melting in my mouth with the creamy yogurt sauce and crunchy nuts. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that I had never experienced before.

From that day on, Chicken Fatah became a staple in our family gatherings and celebrations. I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. And every time I make Chicken Fatah, I think of my grandmother and the love and passion she poured into teaching me the art of cooking.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of Chicken Fatah to the next generation. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of my roots and the rich culinary heritage of Lebanon.

As I write down this recipe in my own recipe book, I can't help but smile at the memories it brings back. The joy of discovering something new and delicious, the warmth of my grandmother's kitchen, and the satisfaction of creating something truly special. Chicken Fatah will always hold a special place in my heart, a taste of home and tradition that I will cherish forever.