Sabich: a culinary journey from Iraq to the streets of Israel

Sabich is a popular Israeli dish of Iraqi-Jewish origin, which has become a staple of street food and is also served in restaurants and homes across Israel. This dish is a delicious combination of flavors and textures that is usually served in sandwich form.

It has its roots in the cuisine of Iraqi Jews, who brought this recipe with them when they immigrated to Israel in the 1950s. Originally, Sabich was a dish consumed primarily on Shabbat, as it was prepared in advance and could be eaten cold during the day of rest. However, over time, it became a popular choice for breakfast or lunch during the week, especially among the young population.

Here is a basic recipe to prepare Sabich:

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants
• 4 eggs
• 4 pita breads
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup slaw or lettuce, chopped
• Tahini (sesame paste)
• Amba (fermented mango sauce)
• Olive oil
• Sal
• Pepper

1. Preparation of the eggplants:
   • Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
   • Cut the eggplants into thin slices and place them on a baking sheet.
   • Drizzle the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
   • Bake the eggplants for about 20-25 minutes or until tender and golden. You can also fry them in hot oil if you prefer a more indulgent version.
2. Cooking the eggs:
   • Boil the eggs in water for about 8-10 minutes until they are cooked.
   • Cool the eggs in cold water and then peel them. Cut the hard-boiled eggs into slices.
3. Heating the pita bread:
   • Heat the pita breads in a skillet or in the oven until lightly browned and hot.
4. Sabich Assembly:
   • Open the pita breads in half.
   • Spread a tablespoon of tahini on the inside of each pita bread.
   • Place a few slices of baked eggplant, slices of hard-boiled egg, slices of tomato, and slaw or lettuce on each pita bread.
   • Add a tablespoon of both on top of the filling.
   • Close the pita breads and serve them whole or cut them in half.
5. Serve:
   • Serve Sabich sandwiches with more tahini and amba on the side if desired. You can also serve them with pickles, gherkins or French fries as a side.

And there you have it! A delicious Sabich ready to enjoy. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust the quantities and ingredients based on your personal preference. Enjoy!