Iraqi Mahmorah
A comforting, savory Iraqi flatbread soaked in a rich, spiced tomato and onion sauce.
Ingredients
- •4 large traditional flatbreads or pita bread, cut into bite-sized pieces
- •3 large onions, finely chopped
- •4 ripe tomatoes, grated or finely diced
- •2 tablespoons tomato paste
- •1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- •1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat.
- 2
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 10-12 minutes until soft, translucent, and lightly golden brown.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and turmeric, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the grated tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the onion mixture.
- 5
Simmer the sauce uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the oil begins to separate slightly from the tomato mixture and the sauce thickens.
- 6
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 7
Layer the pieces of flatbread into the simmering sauce, gently pressing them down so they absorb the flavorful liquid evenly.
- 8
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes until the bread is thoroughly softened and infused with the sauce.
- 9
Transfer to a serving platter, garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm.
💡 Chef tips
- Use slightly stale flatbread if available, as it absorbs the rich tomato sauce much better without becoming overly mushy.
- For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced red chili along with the garlic and spices.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished Mahmorah is vibrant red, aromatic with warm spices and sweet caramelized onions, and wonderfully tender with every bite soaked in rich tomato flavor.