A few years ago I was traveling in the Middle East. During my visit to Israel, I had the chance to eat an Israeli sabich sandwich for breakfast. It blew my mind and my taste buds. Here is how it went:
On this exquisite morning in Jaffa, I decided to take a journey and immerse myself into the rich attractions of the area. While wandering through the streets, there was a pleasant feeling in the air as I explored this delightful neighborhood. As I walked, an enticing scent of food permeated the environment that made my stomach grumble with hunger. Therefore, realizing my need to find a meal, I began looking for an answer to appease my appetite.
As I rounded the corner, I happened upon a cozy shop on the block emblazoned with an inviting sign reading: “Sabich Sandwiches”. Immediately, I knew that I must experience this encounter first-hand. As I stepped into the small shop, a smiling man warmly welcomed me from behind the counter. He inquired as to what I was looking for and I informed him that I wanted to give his Israeli sabich sandwich a try. Meanwhile, the tantalizing aroma of freshly-cooked food filled the air. As a result, it made my mouth water in anticipation of tasting this renowned delicacy.
He quickly whipped up the sandwich, and I couldn’t contain my eagerness to take a bite. When I finally did, it was a huge mouthful that sent me on an epic journey of flavor heaven. In other words, the taste was so sensational that it felt like it was treating all of my taste buds something extraordinary. Moreover, the delectable combination of the velvety, creamy eggplant, crunchy, crispy potato and tart, tangy tahini sauce was truly a delightful experience. As a result, each bite was full of flavor and provided an unforgettable gustatory pleasure that left us wanting more. The scrumptiousness of this sandwich absolutely astonished me and I was just about to inquire as to the recipe when a clamor from outside caught my attention.
Meanwhile, I could see a truly marvelous scene from the window: a flash mob, skillfully choreographed and synchronized, was in full swing. People of all ages shouted in joy as they let go of their inhibitions and danced together in an amalgamation that filled the streets with energy. I was beyond fortunate to witness two marvelous feats in one day. Beholding the dazzling spectacle of the flash mob’s show brought me burst, and when they concluded all their routines, everyone else departed.
I finished my sabich sandwich, and then turned back to the man behind the counter inquiring if he had a recipe that I could use to make this delectable dish on my own. To my astonishment, he agreed to impart the recipe. He guided me that using top-notch components and ensuring the eggplant and potatoes were cooked to perfection comprised of the mysterious formula.
I was so grateful to have been presented with the sandwich and its recipe. Taking it back home and making it for my near and dear ones was something I eagerly looked forward to. I was immensely grateful for my marvelous visit to Jaffa. Something I will always look back on fondly is the delectable Israeli sabich sandwich that I ate for breakfast, as well as the spectacular flash mob performance.
As I left Jaffa, I was flooded with anticipation and joy due to the delectable treat that I made and the delightful memories that it created. Even as recollections of this delightful experience overpower me, one thing clearly stands out – the tantalizingly delicious flavor of the sandwich! Taking a leisurely walk around Jaffa turned out to be so rewarding. I feel lucky that I had the chance to sample incredible fare and be bowled over by the unexpected! I am looking forward to my next visit so that I can consume more exquisite eats, and who knows what else might transpire?
To sum up, Jaffa is a truly special place and I can’t recommend it enough. If you ever find yourself in Jaffa, be sure to taste the delicious food that is being served there. I assure you that you won’t regret it. And who knows, you may even be lucky enough to stumble upon a flash mob performance like I did.
Here is this amazing Israeli sabich sandwich’s recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cored and chopped plum tomatoes
- Kosher salt
- Oil (for frying)
- 3/4 lb of Italian eggplant (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 1/2 of seedless cucumber (chopped)
- 2 tbsp of lemon juice
- 1 tbsp of parsley (minced)
- 1/4 head cabbage, shred thinly
- 2 tbsp of vinegar (white wine)
- Warm and split 4 rounds of pita bread for pockets.
- 3/4 cup of hummus
- 1/2 cup of tahini sauce
- 4 hard-boiled eggs (peeled and sliced)
- Israeli pickles (for serving)
- Amba sauce (for serving)
Note: Amba, a traditional Israeli pickled mango sauce, combines a spicy and tangy flavor with that of the classic bread-and-butter pickles. Offered at both international and Israeli grocery stores, as well as being purchasable online, it is easy to find this condiment.
How to make an Israeli sabich sandwich?
- Place chopped tomatoes in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and add a pinch of salt. Allow to sit for 30 minutes.
- Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry eggplant slices in batches, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt.
- In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes (discarding liquid), cucumber, lemon juice, and parsley. Season with salt to taste and mix well.
- In a separate medium bowl, toss shredded cabbage with vinegar and season with salt.
- In each pita pocket, spread 3 tablespoons of hummus, followed by 2-3 slices of fried eggplant. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of tahini sauce, add sliced eggs, Israeli pickles, and more tahini sauce. Add Israeli salad and shredded, seasoned cabbage, then top with amba sauce before serving.
An Israeli sabich sandwich is a delicious sandwich that can easily replace a whole meal. I guarantee that you will feel full after having it. Enjoy!
