An Arabic Breakfast – Traditional Palestinian Breakfast
Description:
This authentic Palestinian breakfast is a delightful reflection of the vibrant flavors and communal nature of a typical morning meal in many Palestinian households. Simple, yet rich in taste and tradition, the meal is often served on the floor, laid out on a tablecloth, with friends and family gathered around, sharing both food and stories. The ingredients are flexible and typically include whatever is available at home, with olive oil and tea as the constants. The inclusion of za’atar, labaneh, and white cheese makes this breakfast a beautiful exploration of traditional Palestinian flavors. This recipe is inspired by my personal experience while living in Jordan with my Palestinian in-laws, where we enjoyed this breakfast nearly every day.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Information (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 3 | Calories: 120.4, Protein: 6.6g, Fat: 6.6g, Carbs: 10.8g |
| Salt | To taste | – |
| Za’atar spice mix | 4 tbsp | – |
| Tomatoes | 2 large | – |
| Cucumbers | 2 large | – |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup + 2 tbsp | Fat: 6.6g per tbsp |
| Mortadella | 4 slices | – |
| Water | As needed for tea | – |
| Tea bags | 2 | – |
| Dried sage or dried mint | 1 tsp (optional) | – |
| Sugar | 1-2 tsp per teacup | – |
| Arabic bread (pita or flatbread) | 4 pieces | – |
| White cheese (or similar cheese) | 150g | Protein: 6.6g, Fat: 6.6g per serving |
| Labaneh (optional) | 1 cup | – |
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 120.4
Fat Content: 6.6g
Saturated Fat: 1.7g
Cholesterol: 158.6mg
Sodium: 250.7mg
Carbohydrates: 10.8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4.5g
Protein: 6.6g
Instructions for An Arabic Breakfast
-
Fry the Cheese:
- Heat enough olive oil in a small frying pan to cover the bottom of the pan lightly.
- Once the oil is hot, fry small chunks of white cheese until they are golden brown on both sides, but be careful not to overcook.
- Once fried, transfer the cheese along with the remaining olive oil to a small serving plate.
-
Prepare Scrambled Eggs:
- Clean the frying pan or use a new one for the scrambled eggs.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan.
- Crack 3 eggs into the pan and season with a pinch of salt (adjust to taste).
- Gently scramble the eggs using a fork. Unlike Western scrambled eggs, Arabic scrambled eggs should be lightly turned and not too mixed, so that the eggs remain in larger curds.
- Cook the eggs until there is no liquid left, being careful not to overcook them. They should be just set.
-
Serve the Side Dishes:
- Place olives in a small bowl.
- In another small bowl, place ½ cup of za’atar.
- Pour ¼ cup of olive oil into a separate bowl to serve alongside the za’atar.
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Cut the tomatoes into wedges and lightly sprinkle them with salt if desired.
- Slice the cucumbers lengthwise into four strips.
-
Serve the Labaneh (Optional):
- Drizzle olive oil on top of labaneh (if using) and serve in a small dish.
-
Prepare Mortadella:
- Slice the mortadella and arrange it on a plate.
-
Heat the Bread:
- Warm the Arabic bread by heating it over a gas stove top, turning it frequently to ensure even heating. Alternatively, heat each piece in the microwave for about 30 seconds (though this is not the traditional method).
-
Prepare the Tea:
- Boil water and prepare tea as usual, adding either dried sage or mint to the pot for additional flavor.
- Once the tea is ready, serve it in small Arabic glass teacups with 1-2 teaspoons of sugar in each cup (use less sugar for mint tea and more for sage tea).
-
Serve the Meal:
- For an authentic experience, spread a large tablecloth on the floor and arrange all the components of the meal on it.
- Place the bread in the center, and surround it with the dishes of fried cheese, scrambled eggs, za’atar, olive oil, vegetables, labaneh, and mortadella.
- The meal is traditionally eaten by tearing pieces of bread and using them to scoop up the various components.
-
Enjoy with Family:
- This breakfast is meant to be enjoyed slowly, with tea being sipped between bites, and conversation flowing as freely as the olive oil.
Notes:
- Mint vs. Sage Tea: If you are using mint, you might prefer less sugar, as mint tea has a natural sweetness to it. Sage tea, on the other hand, pairs well with a bit more sugar to balance out its stronger herbal notes.
- Alternative Ingredients: While this is the complete version of a Palestinian breakfast, you can always adapt it based on what’s available in your kitchen. The beauty of this meal lies in its flexibility and simplicity.
Keywords:
Cheese, Palestinian, Southwest Asia (middle East), Asian, < 15 Mins, Stove Top, Easy
