Fattoush is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that is popular in Egypt and other Levantine countries. It is a refreshing and vibrant salad made with mixed greens, fresh vegetables, and toasted or fried pieces of pita bread. The salad is typically dressed with a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, often flavored with sumac, a spice that adds a unique tartness.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 pieces of pita bread, toasted or fried
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Pomegranate seeds (optional)
- Extra sumac for sprinkling
Instructions
Preparing the Pita Bread
- Toast or Fry the Pita Bread: Cut the pita bread into small squares or triangles. Toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and crispy, or fry them in a skillet with a little olive oil until crispy. Set aside to cool.
Preparing the Salad
- Chop the Vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the diced cucumber, tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, red onion, radishes, parsley, mint, and romaine lettuce. Add cilantro if using.
Preparing the Dressing
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, ground sumac, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assembling the Salad
- Combine the Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables in the salad bowl. Toss well to coat all the vegetables with the dressing.
- Add the Pita Bread: Just before serving, add the toasted or fried pita bread pieces to the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serving the Fattoush
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Fattoush salad to a serving platter. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a sprinkle of extra sumac if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the pita bread.
Cultural Significance
Fattoush is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is particularly popular in Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria. It is often served as a part of a mezze, a collection of small dishes shared among family and friends. The salad’s bright flavors and fresh ingredients make it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats and other hearty dishes.
The use of toasted or fried pita bread adds a delightful crunch to the salad, making it both flavorful and texturally interesting. Sumac, a key ingredient in the dressing, is a traditional Middle Eastern spice that gives Fattoush its distinctive tangy flavor.
Fattoush is a refreshing and vibrant salad that brings together the best of Middle Eastern flavors. Its combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and crispy pita bread, all dressed in a tangy lemon-sumac dressing, makes it a delightful dish for any occasion. Try making this traditional Egyptian salad at home and enjoy the delicious taste of Fattoush.