Lamb Fatteh with Creamy Tahini-Yogurt Sauce

Lamb Fatteh is a rich, traditional Syrian dish that brings together layers of toasted flatbread, fragrant rice, and succulent lamb, all infused with warm spices. A creamy tahini-yogurt sauce ties everything together, while crunchy pine nuts or almonds add the perfect finishing touch.

Although often served at grand feasts, Lamb Fatteh is surprisingly easy to make with simple, accessible ingredients. Whether for a special gathering, a comforting weeknight dinner, or a hearty lunch, this dish delivers bold flavors in every bite—without the hassle!

What is Lamb Fatteh?

The Arabic word “Fatteh” holds deep cultural significance, meaning “to break into small pieces.” In Middle Eastern traditions, Fatteh symbolizes hospitality and togetherness, as families and friends gather to break bread and share a communal meal.

Culinarily, Fatteh is a beloved dish, often compared to a Middle Eastern take on nachos. Instead of tortilla chips, it features crispy, toasted pita shards as the base, layered with flavorful toppings. This Lebanese-inspired dish is incredibly versatile—it can be simple or elaborate, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Making The Lamb Fatteh

Creating Syrian Lamb Fatteh with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce involves several layers of flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

• Layer 1: Cooking the Lamb Shanks The heart of this dish lies in the succulent lamb shanks. They are slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic spices, including cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, dried limes, and bay leaves. This slow-cooking process infuses the meat with rich, warm flavors that will melt in your mouth.
• Layer 2: Preparing the Rice While the lamb shanks are simmering away, prepare fragrant rice to accompany them. This rice will be a flavorful bed for the tender lamb and toasted pita.
• Layer 3: Toasting the Pita Bread Pita bread is toasted to golden perfection, creating crunchy shards that add a delightful contrast to the dish’s soft components. These toasted pita pieces will be layered within the Fatteh.
• Layer 4: The Tahini-Yogurt Sauce The creamy tahini-yogurt sauce ties all the elements together. It’s rich, nutty, and slightly tangy, harmoniously contrasting the lamb’s deep, savory flavors.
• Assembly: Bringing It All Together To assemble the Syrian Lamb Fatteh, start with a layer of toasted pita at the bottom, followed by the tender lamb shanks (meat, not bone) and a portion of rice. Repeat this layering, adding more pita chips and lamb shanks as desired.  Drizzle a generous amount of the tahini-yogurt sauce. Finally, the dish is adorned with a generous topping of toasted pine nuts and slivered almonds, adding a delightful crunch.

Tips for Perfecting Your Lamb Fatteh

• Plan for Ingredients: Gather all the essential ingredients beforehand to create a genuinely delicious Fatteh. Since this dish incorporates a variety of ingredients, create a shopping list to make your grocery trip efficient.
• Time Management: While the Lamb Fatteh involves multiple steps, it’s manageable, even though it requires some effort. Plan your cooking time to ensure everything comes together smoothly.
• Presentation: Syrian Lamb Fatteh with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce is a tasty and visually appealing dish. Consider serving it in a transparent dish to showcase its beautiful layers, allowing guests to admire it before indulging.
• Get Creative: Experiment with different meats, such as ground lamb or boneless chicken, to add unique flavors and textures. Alternatively, choose vegetarian options like eggplant, chickpeas, or lentils to make the dish your own.
• Customizable Toppings: Experiment with additional toppings like sumac-dusted parsley, feta cheese, olives, or anything that tickles your taste buds.
• Tahini-Yogurt Sauce: Serve the tahini-yogurt sauce on the side, allowing your guests to customize the amount they drizzle over their plates. This way, everyone can tailor their Fatteh to their preferred level of creaminess.