Yemeni Shafoot

This easy-to-make and tasty starter is a Ramadan favorite in many Yemeni households. Traditionally lahooh (Yemeni pancake) is used instead of pita bread but we prefer wheat pita bread and love how it absorbs the liquid of the dish. Shafoot is a refreshing dish filled with a variety of green vegetables. The dairy complements the greens and creates a delicious combination for the taste buds.

Ingredients

1 pita bread

¼ head lettuce

1 cucumber, finely chopped

⅓ bunch parsley

2 spring onions, finely chop the green part and set the white bulb portion

½ tomato, chopped

7-8 sprigs cilantro

1 clove garlic

 Jalapeno pepper (depending on desired taste)

3 Tbsp Middle Eastern yogurt

1¼ cup yogurt drink (or milk)

Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Rip pita bread into small pieces and place into a deep bowl. 
2. Finely shred the lettuce into the bowl with pita bread. 
3. Add the finely chopped cucumber and green portion of green onions.
4. In a blender, add parsley, white portion of spring onions, tomato, cilantro, garlic, and jalapeno pepper, yogurt, yogurt drink or milk, and salt. Blend until the liquid begins to slightly froth.
5. Add liquid mixture slowly to bowl with pita bread and greens, making sure you only add enough to thoroughly saturate. Over-pouring will cause the dish to be too watery.  
6. Let sit for about 5 minutes to allow bread to saturate the yogurt mixture. 
7. Decorate as desired.

Enjoy!

Miriam Mohamed is a mother to seven children and a granny to two cats!  She loves trying new things and learning cool facts. She has taught in an Islamic school setting, has experience assisting children with special needs, and enjoys volunteering and being a part of the community. Miriam lives in Chicago with her beautiful flowering cherry tree and big family.