Fattoush Recipe: Fattoush is a classic Lebanese salad that’s full of bright flavors and textures. It’s made with toasted pita bread, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s the perfect salad to serve as a starter, side dish, or even a light main course.
Fattoush Recipe: Origins:
The word “fattoush” comes from the Arabic word “fatteh,” which means “to crumble.” This refers to the toasted pita bread that is a key ingredient in the salad. Fattoush is believed to have originated in the villages of Lebanon, where it was traditionally made with stale bread, leftover vegetables, and simple ingredients. Over time, the recipe has evolved, but the core ingredients and the spirit of using up what you have on hand remain.
What’s in Fattoush?
The basic ingredients of fattoush are:
- Pita bread: The pita bread is toasted or fried until crispy. This adds a delicious crunch to the salad.
- Vegetables: Traditionally, fattoush is made with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and green onions. Other vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and olives, can also be added.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley and mint are the most common herbs used in fattoush. They add a bright, refreshing flavor to the salad.
- Dressing: The dressing for fattoush is typically made with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Sumac, a Middle Eastern spice with a lemony flavor, is also often used.
Fattoush Recipe: Fattoush Variations:
There are many different ways to make fattoush. Some people like their fattoush to be on the dry side, while others prefer it to be a bit more wet. You can adjust the amount of dressing to your preference. You can also add other ingredients to your fattoush, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or falafel.
Here’s a basic recipe for fattoush:
Fattoush Recipe: Ingredients
- For the pita bread:
- 2 pita breads, torn into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- For the salad:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- Radishes, sliced (optional)
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sumac (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fattoush Recipe: Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Toss the pita bread pieces with olive oil and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, and mint.
- To make the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, sumac (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Top with the crispy pita bread pieces and serve immediately.
Fattoush Recipe: Tips
- For a more flavorful dressing, you can marinate the garlic in the lemon juice for 30 minutes before adding it to the dressing.
- If you don’t have sumac, you can substitute with a pinch of cumin or coriander.
- Fattoush is best served fresh, but it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to store the dressing and croutons separately so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
Fattoush Recipe is a delicious and healthy salad that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s full of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful dressing. It’s also very easy to make, so it’s a great option for busy weeknights. So next time you’re looking for a refreshing and nutritious salad, give fattoush a try!