Ultimate Sabich: Middle Eastern Eggplant and Egg Pita Sandwich
Discover the mouthwatering world of sabich, Tel Aviv’s best-kept culinary secret! This Middle Eastern sandwich masterpiece combines crispy fried eggplant, creamy hummus, and perfectly boiled eggs for a flavor explosion in every bite.
Forget falafel – sabich is the true star of Middle Eastern street food. This irresistible pita sandwich, born from Tel Aviv’s Iraqi Jewish community, packs a punch with its harmonious blend of textures and tastes. From the first bite, you’ll be hooked on the interplay of creamy, crunchy, and tangy elements that make sabich a truly unforgettable meal.
Our recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Tel Aviv’s bustling streets right to your kitchen. We’ll guide you through creating each component, from perfectly fried eggplant slices to a zesty farmers salad that brightens up the entire dish. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Middle East!
Ultimate Sabich: Middle Eastern Eggplant and Egg Pita Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 plum tomatoes (7 ounces; 200g), cored and diced
- Kosher salt
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- 3/4 pound Italian eggplant (about 1 medium eggplant; 350g), sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
- 1/2 large seedless cucumber (7 ounces; 200g), diced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
- 1/4 cored head cabbage (7 ounces; 200g), thinly shredded
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) white wine vinegar
- 4 fresh rounds pita bread, warmed and split just enough to form a pocket
- 3/4 cup homemade or store-bought hummus (6 ounces; 170g)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) homemade or store-bought tahini sauce (note that tahini and tahini sauce are different products)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
- Middle Eastern pickles, for serving (see notes)
- Amba sauce, for serving (see notes)
Directions
- Enhance your tomatoes: Place diced tomatoes in a fine-mesh strainer, toss with a generous pinch of salt, and let them release their excess liquid for 30 minutes. This simple step concentrates flavor and improves texture.
- Master the art of fried eggplant: Heat 1/4 inch oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry eggplant slices in batches, rotating for even browning, until golden on both sides and tender throughout (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel–lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt while hot for maximum flavor absorption.
- Craft the perfect farmers salad: Combine drained tomatoes, cucumber, lemon juice, and parsley in a medium bowl. Season with salt to taste, mixing well to create a bright and refreshing accompaniment to your sabich.
- Prepare the tangy cabbage slaw: In a medium bowl, toss shredded cabbage with vinegar and season with salt. This quick pickle adds a delightful crunch and acidity to balance the rich flavors of the sandwich.
- Assemble your sabich masterpiece: Smear 3 tablespoons (45ml) of hummus inside each warmed pita pocket. Layer 2 to 3 slices of fried eggplant, drizzle with 1 tablespoon (15ml) tahini sauce, and top with sliced eggs and pickles. Add more tahini sauce, spoon in some farmers salad and seasoned cabbage, and finish with a drizzle of amba sauce. Prepare for a flavor explosion with every bite!
Notes
Amba sauce (a tangy, spiced mango condiment) and Middle Eastern pickles (spicier and more tart than American varieties) can be found at international and Middle Eastern grocers or purchased online. These authentic ingredients elevate your sabich to the next level!
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
893 | Calories |
42g | Fat |
105g | Carbs |
30g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 4 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 893 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 42g | 53% |
Saturated Fat 6g | 29% |
Cholesterol 187mg | 62% |
Sodium 1445mg | 63% |
Total Carbohydrate 105g | 38% |
Dietary Fiber 12g | 42% |
Total Sugars 11g | |
Protein 30g | |
Vitamin C 36mg | 178% |
Calcium 256mg | 20% |
Iron 7mg | 41% |
Potassium 989mg | 21% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |