Sabich - Israeli Pita Sandwich

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Sabich is a popular Israeli street food, originally brought to Israel by Iraqi Jews. This hearty and flavorful pita sandwich is packed with a variety of ingredients, including fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, tahini, Israeli salad, pickles, and amba (a tangy mango pickle sauce).

Here are three of the easiest locations to find Sabich from street vendors:

Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel), Tel Aviv

- Carmel Market Food Stalls: Located in the heart of Tel Aviv, Carmel Market is one of the city's most famous and vibrant markets. The market is lined with food stalls offering a variety of Israeli dishes, including Sabich. Vendors are easily found along the main street, serving freshly made Sabich with all the classic toppings.

- Stalls near HaCarmel Street: The surrounding streets of Carmel Market, particularly HaCarmel Street, are filled with street food vendors where Sabich is commonly sold, making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience Tel Aviv’s bustling food scene.

These locations offer the most accessible and authentic spots to enjoy Sabich in Israel, reflecting the country’s rich culinary diversity and street food culture.

Ingredients:

For the Sabich:

- 4-6 pita breads

- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

- 4-6 large eggs

- 1 cup hummus

- 1 cup tahini sauce

- 2 medium tomatoes, diced

- 1 large cucumber, diced

- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup chopped parsley

- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced (optional)

- 1/4 cup amba sauce (optional, can be found in Middle Eastern stores)

- Vegetable oil, for frying the eggplant

- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Israeli Salad:

- 2 medium tomatoes, diced

- 1 large cucumber, diced

- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

  - Place the eggplant slices in a colander and sprinkle them generously with salt. Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.

  - Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

  - In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

  - Fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown and tender, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the eggplant slices and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Set aside.

2. Cook the Eggs:

   - Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

  - Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer the eggs for 10 minutes.

  - Remove the eggs from the boiling water and place them in an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, peel the eggs and slice them into quarters.

3. Prepare the Israeli Salad:

   - In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

  - Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and set aside.

4. Assemble the Sabich:

   - Warm the pita breads in the oven or on a skillet until soft and pliable.

  - Slice the pita breads open to form a pocket, but do not cut all the way through.

  - Spread a generous layer of hummus inside the pita.

  - Add a few slices of fried eggplant and quartered hard-boiled eggs.

  - Spoon in a couple of tablespoons of Israeli salad, and add pickles if desired.

  - Drizzle with tahini sauce and a spoonful of amba sauce for a tangy kick.

  - Close the pita and press gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

5. Serve:

  - Serve the Sabich sandwiches immediately while the pita is still warm and the ingredients are fresh.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

- Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal

- Fat: 24g

 - Saturated Fat: 3.5g

- Protein: 11g

- Carbohydrates: 41g

 - Sugars: 6g

- Fiber: 7g

Notes:

- Eggplant Preparation: Salting the eggplant slices before frying is crucial as it helps to remove bitterness and excess moisture, resulting in a creamier texture after frying.

- Customization: Sabich can be customized with additional ingredients like pickled cabbage, spicy zhug (a hot green chili paste), or even slices of avocado for a modern twist.

- Sauce Variety: The amba sauce is a traditional accompaniment that adds a unique tangy flavor to the Sabich, but it can be substituted with other tangy condiments like mango chutney or tamarind sauce if amba is not available.

- Serving Suggestions: Sabich is best enjoyed fresh, but the components can be prepared ahead of time. The fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, and Israeli salad can be stored separately in the refrigerator and assembled just before serving.

- Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly: Sabich is naturally vegetarian, and it can easily be made vegan by omitting the eggs or substituting them with a vegan protein option, such as tofu or tempeh. Sabich is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that offers a taste of Israel's vibrant street food culture. With its combination of rich, savoury, and tangy flavours, it’s sure to be a hit whether served for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.

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