Name: Sabich Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant, sliced 1 cm thick; 2 teaspoons salt; ⅓ cup olive oil (if frying) or 3 tablespoons (if roasting); ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon za’atar; 4 pita breads; 1 pickle, sliced; 4 vegan hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional); 1 cup Shirazi salad; 1 cup hummus; ½ cup tahini sauce; ¼ cup zhoug sauce (optional); ¼ cup amba (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sabich sandwich offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors, combining crispy, golden eggplant with smooth tahini and hearty hummus. The pickles and Shirazi salad add a refreshing crunch, while the optional vegan hard-boiled eggs enhance the sandwich’s richness. It’s a mess-worthy, yet wonderfully satisfying dish that delivers the authentic taste of Middle Eastern street food right to your kitchen. Plus, the flexibility to customize with extra sauces like zhoug and amba makes each bite an adventure.

Sabich Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

For the eggplant:

1 medium eggplant, sliced 1 cm thick
2 teaspoons salt
⅓ cup olive oil (if frying) or 3 tablespoons (if roasting)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon za’atar

For the sandwich:

4 pita breads
1 pickle, sliced
4 vegan hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional)
1 cup Shirazi salad
1 cup hummus
½ cup tahini sauce
¼ cup zhoug sauce (optional)
¼ cup amba (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt on both sides and place them in a colander for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
After 30 minutes, rinse the salt off the eggplant slices and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
To fry the eggplant: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (after about 90 seconds), add the eggplant slices in a single layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and tender. Transfer the cooked slices to a tray lined with a clean kitchen towel to drain any excess oil.
Alternatively, to roast the eggplant: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the eggplant slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush both sides with olive oil, and roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and soft.
Once the eggplant is cooked, sprinkle it with smoked paprika and za’atar.
Warm the pita breads just before assembling. You can warm them directly over an open flame for a few seconds on each side or use a dry pan or oven for a few minutes.
To assemble the sandwich: Spread a layer of hummus inside each pita, then layer with eggplant slices, a few pickle slices, Shirazi salad, and vegan hard-boiled eggs (if using). Drizzle with tahini sauce and, if desired, add zhoug and amba.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 sandwiches
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Eggplant Salting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Roasted Vegetables: Add other roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more flavor.
Meat Option: While traditionally vegetarian, you can add grilled chicken or lamb for a non-vegan variation.
Sauces: Experiment with different sauces such as harissa for a spicy kick, or use yogurt-based dressing for a creamier taste.
Shirazi Salad: If you prefer a different salad, try a cucumber and tomato mix with a lemon dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover eggplant slices, tahini sauce, and other sandwich fillings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The eggplant can be reheated in the skillet for a few minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. The pita is best eaten fresh, but you can warm it again briefly in the oven or over the stove if needed.

FAQs

1. How do I make sure the eggplant is crispy?

To get crispy eggplant, be sure to salt the slices and let them sit in the colander to remove excess moisture. Whether you fry or roast them, make sure the oil is hot enough for frying, or for roasting, ensure they are spaced well on the baking sheet for even cooking.

2. Can I make this recipe without frying the eggplant?

Yes! You can roast the eggplant instead. Roasting provides a slightly different texture but is just as delicious. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the slices for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the pita with gluten-free pita bread or wrap the fillings in a large lettuce leaf for a low-carb alternative.

4. Can I use store-bought hummus for this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade hummus is always a treat, store-bought hummus works perfectly fine for a quicker meal. Choose a brand with good ingredients to keep the sandwich authentic.

5. Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Yes, you can pre-slice the eggplant and vegetables and store them in the fridge. The tahini sauce and hummus can also be made in advance for convenience.

6. What is zhoug, and can I skip it?

Zhoug is a spicy cilantro-based sauce with chili peppers, garlic, and spices. You can skip it if you don’t like spice, but it adds an extra layer of flavor if you’re looking for a more authentic taste.

7. Can I use regular eggs instead of vegan eggs?

Yes, you can use traditional hard-boiled eggs if you are not following a vegan diet. They add extra protein and a rich flavor to the sandwich.

8. How do I make the Shirazi salad?

Shirazi salad is made with diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and parsley, tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. It adds a fresh, zesty flavor to the sandwich.

9. What can I serve with the Sabich sandwich?

You can serve the Sabich with a side of crispy fries, a simple green salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a fuller meal.

10. Can I freeze the eggplant for later use?

Yes, you can freeze cooked eggplant slices. Make sure they are well-cooled and stored in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use them, reheat in the oven or skillet.

Conclusion

The Sabich sandwich is a fantastic way to enjoy Middle Eastern flavors at home. With crispy eggplant, creamy hummus, and a burst of tangy pickles and sauces, this sandwich is sure to satisfy all your taste buds. Whether you’re vegan or not, this sandwich is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that you can enjoy on any day of the week.