Creamy Lebanese Fatteh with Sumac and Pickled Turnips: A Flavorful Family Favorite!

Name: Creamy Lebanese Fatteh with Sumac and Pickled Turnips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 2 large pita breads, torn into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting); 1 15 oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups full-fat plain yogurt (Greek-style preferred); 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed; 2 tablespoons tahini; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt to taste (starting with ½ teaspoon); ¼ cup pine nuts or slivered almonds; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee; 1 teaspoon ground sumac; ½ cup pickled turnips, sliced thin; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional); Pomegranate seeds, paprika, or Aleppo pepper for garnish

Posted on February 26, 2026

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This Lebanese Fatteh with Sumac and Pickled Turnips comes together in about 30 minutes and is all in one pot for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand, or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to sneak in those leftovers. Seriously, this dish is all about comfort and layering flavors, and it’s perfect for busy evenings when you need something satisfying but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen for hours.

Ingredient Breakdown

Essential Ingredients:

Pita Bread:
- 2 large pita breads, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting)
The pita is the heart of the dish, get it nice and crispy for that delightful crunch!
Chickpeas:
- 1 15 oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
These humble legumes pack a protein punch and can be seasoned to perfection!
Creamy Yogurt Sauce:
- 2 cups full-fat plain yogurt (Greek-style preferred for extra creaminess)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste (starting with ½ teaspoon)
This sauce is rich, creamy, and adds a cooling layer of flavor that balances everything out beautifully.
Nutty Goodness:
- ¼ cup pine nuts or slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac
The nuts give a crunchy texture, and the sumac adds that zesty, lemony goodness!
Toppings:
- ½ cup pickled turnips, sliced thin for that tangy zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
- Pomegranate seeds, paprika, or Aleppo pepper for garnish

Let’s not forget about toppings! They bring the dish together, adding color and excitement, don’t you think?

Let’s Get Cooking!

Ready to whip this up? Here’s how I make this Creamy Lebanese Fatteh with Sumac and Pickled Turnips!

1. Toast the Pita (5 minutes)

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add your torn pita pieces and drizzle them with the olive oil. Toss them around, get them all coated. You want them to be golden and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally, and take a moment to revel in that amazing smell!

2. Warm the Chickpeas (5 minutes)

Next, add the chickpeas to the same skillet. Sprinkle them with ground cumin and salt. Stir them around for about 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through and fragrant. You can even mash them slightly with a fork if you want to create a heartier texture, totally up to you!

3. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce (5 minutes)

In a separate bowl, mix together the yogurt, minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and salt. Give it a good stir until it’s smooth and creamy, think silky, no lumps allowed! Taste it and adjust the salt or lemon juice if needed. This is your plate’s hero; you want it just right!

4. Toast the Nuts (3-4 minutes)

In a small saucepan, melt the butter or ghee over medium heat. Toss in the pine nuts or almonds and stir them around until they’re golden brown, this usually only takes 2-4 minutes. Just don’t walk away; they can go from golden to burnt in seconds!

5. Assemble the Fatteh (5 minutes)

Now for the fun part! On a large platter, start with a layer of the crispy pita pieces. Spread the warm chickpeas over the pita, then drizzle your creamy yogurt sauce generously on top. You really can’t go overboard here!

6. Serve Immediately

Top it all off with the toasted nuts, pickled turnips, and a sprinkle of sumac. If you want to go that extra mile (spoiler alert: you should!), add some fresh parsley, pomegranate seeds, or a sprinkle of paprika. I mean, wow, right? It’s beautiful! Serve it right away while that pita is still crispy.

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m in the mood for something comforting and flavorful but also quick enough to whip up on a Wednesday night! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to Creamy Lebanese Fatteh with Sumac and Pickled Turnips when I need a hug in a bowl. It’s just so versatile! You can use whatever you’ve got on hand, seriously! Sometimes I’ll throw in roasted veggies or even whatever greens are lingering in my fridge.

And the best part is, my kids love it! My 8-year-old asked for seconds last time I made it, which is a MASSIVE win in my house! You could even have a Fatteh assembly night where everyone picks their toppings, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, promise!

If you loved this Creamy Lebanese Fatteh, be sure to check out my Muhammara Recipe, my Falafel Recipe, or my Middle Eastern Stuffed Onions!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for those busy weeknights! You really don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to create something so flavorful! Everything can be made in just one skillet, so say goodbye to piles of dishes.

Customizable

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Don’t have chickpeas? Swap in some lentils or even shredded chicken! The yogurt sauce is also super flexible. You can experiment with different herbs or even add some spices to jazz it up.

Comfort Food

Loaded with tons of flavor from creamy yogurt and that nutty bite, it’s ultimately comfort food done right! Serve it warm, and you’ll have a dish that not just feeds the belly but warms the soul.

Leftover Friendly

This recipe is perfect for using up odds and ends! Toss in some leftover veggies or proteins, and make a delicious, hearty dish that feels fresh every time.

Family-Friendly

Your whole family will love it! With the ability to customize toppings, everyone can build their own perfect plate. Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce new flavors.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Fatteh

I love serving Fatteh with a side of warm pita bread and fresh, chilled vegetables like cucumber and tomatoes. It really balances the richness of the dish!

Storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the crispy pita can get soggy. However, if you’re looking to keep leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chickpeas and the creamy yogurt mixture separately in the microwave or on the stovetop, and freshen up the crunchy pita in the oven for a few minutes to revive their crunch!

Freezer Friendly

While I don’t recommend freezing the assembled dish, you can freeze individual components. The chickpeas and yogurt sauce freeze quite well. Just let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!

So there you have it! A comforting, deliciously creamy Lebanese Fatteh with just the right amount of zing from the sumac and turnips, all in less than 30 minutes. What’s not to love? Happy cooking, friends! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.