Sabich is how to experience Israel’s lively, aromatic streets in your home. When made with authentic Israeli ingredients, it’s the easiest way to experience diversity without traveling. There’s no stopping from the first bite until all that’s left in your hands are the crumbs.
Even though falafel is more famous, the sabich sandwich has gained its bragging rights in the vegetarian cuisine world. It’s yummy, easy to make, and healthy. You only need a few ingredients that you can keep on hand in your fridge and pantry.
What is Sabich?
Sabich is a sandwich made by filling pita bread with hummus, fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, pickled cabbage or lettuce and salad. Finish it up by drizzling with tahini and amba sauce.
The sandwich originated from Iraq, but has found fame in Tel Aviv restaurants and streets owing to the Jews who moved back to Israel from Iraq. Although the dish is mainly served at breakfast, you can enjoy it any time of day.
The classic sabich sandwich is vegetarian, so it takes just a little tweaking to make it vegan if you desire. Pass on the hard-boiled eggs. You can use vegan sour cream for extra creaminess.
Sabich Recipe
Sabich is one of the easier vegetarian sandwiches to make. All the ingredients can be prepared before time for a quick filling breakfast when you are pressed for time.
You may use store-bought ingredients, but homemade ingredients are the best. This recipe teaches you how to make most of your ingredients from scratch.
Ingredients
- Pita bread
- Tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Parsley
- Eggplant
- Onions
- Amba sauce
- Tahini sauce
- Hummus
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
- Hard-boiled organic eggs
- Boiled potatoes (optional)
- Pickled red cabbage
- Beets (optional)
Preparation
Salad
- Dice tomatoes and (it’s best to drain the liquid in a strainer)
- Cut the cucumber into cubes
- Cut onions into medium strips
- Mix in a large bowl
- Season with salt and pepper and mix some more
- Set aside
Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Place the eggs into boiling water
- Let boil for 6-8 minutes
- Remove and place in a bowl of cold water
- Peel, dice and set aside
Eggplant
- Cut into ½ inch slices (round or rectangular)
- Set on a tray and sprinkle with salt on both sides to draw out the water
- Leave for 20 minutes and then dry with paper towels on both sides
- In a hot pan, pour a thin layer of oil
- Place the eggplant slices and fry over low to medium heat, turning until golden brown on both sides
- Salt lightly and set aside.
Potatoes
- Peel and slice one or two medium-size potatoes into ½ inch slices
- Drop into a pot of boiling water and cook for 10 minutes
- Salt to taste
- Drain the water and set aside
Pickled Red Cabbage
- Chop finely
- Place in a glass jar
- Add a mixture of water, vinegar and salt
- Let rest for at least ten hours. You can let it pickle for up to a week.
Note: You need to pickle your cabbage days before using it in your sabich.
Beets
- Peel and chop your beets into small strips.
- You can grate if you like.
- Depending on your taste, you can use fresh or pickled beets.
Pita Bread
Make your fresh bread at home or buy it from the grocery store. To make pita bread:
- In a bowl, activate yeast with half a teaspoon of sugar
- Pour whole grain flour into the bowl (desired amount)
- Add water and oil
- Mix the dough until you get to pita bread consistency
- Cover and set aside to rise
- Divide into medium size chunks
- Dust the rolling board with flour
- Roll into round shapes
- Place on a pan over low to medium heat
- Cook until slightly golden brown on both sides
- Set aside
Note: If you’re using store-bought pita bread, warm it in for a few seconds on the skillet to make opening the pocket easier.
Hummus
You need:
- Soft boiled chickpeas
- Tahini (sesame seed paste)
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic and cumin (optional)
- Fine sea salt
How to make hummus:
- Boil chickpeas until soft
- In a blender bowl, add the lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin
- Blend to mix and let sit for 10 minutes
- Add the tahini and blend until smooth
- Add the boiled chickpeas and blend while adding ice water one tablespoon at a time until creamy
- Put in a serving dish and set aside
Assembling/Serving
- Cut one edge of the pita bread to open
- Spread a layer of hummus on the inside of the pocket
- Add a few pieces of fried eggplant
- Add in the salad
- Layer the chopped hard-boiled eggs
- Add boiled potatoes
- Add in your pickled cabbage and beets
- More salad
- Drizzle with tahini sauce & amba sauce
Your sabich sandwich is ready. You can use as much of the filling as you like.
A sabich sandwich is an excellent substitute in place of regular meat-based sandwiches. You can make your own or order one freshly made from Nish Nush. When you’re in the mood for royalty treatment, drop in and choose your variation of this delicious beauty. We’ll make it your way.
