saltah

Saltah is a traditional Yemeni stew and one of the best-known dishes of Yemeni cuisine. It is especially associated with Sana'a and is often regarded as Yemen's national dish. Saltah is typically prepared as a hearty meat stew with vegetables, simmered in a tomato- or stock-based broth and seasoned with a Yemeni spice blend known as hawaij. The common protein is lamb or beef, though chicken is used in some versions. Ingredients usually include onions, tomatoes, potatoes or other vegetables, chickpeas, and sometimes beans. The dish is flavored with hawaij, which can include cumin, coriander, fenugreek, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, along with garlic and chili. A separate green chili sauce called sahawiq is often served on the side or stirred in for heat.

Saltah is traditionally prepared in a shallow, wide pot called a sahan and is typically accompanied by flatbread, such as khubz, which diners tear and use to scoop up the stew. The preparation varies by family and region, but the dish generally features a richly seasoned broth and a topping or foam made from the concentrated stock. Saltah is a staple of Yemeni hospitality and is commonly enjoyed as a main meal for gatherings and special occasions.