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Fattish is a vibrant and refreshing salad that hails from the Levant, particularly beloved in Lebanese cuisine. Known for its colourful array of vegetables and the delightful crunch of toasted pita croutons, Fattoush is more than just a salad, it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce and a staple in Middle Eastern dining.
Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as a light meal on its own, Fattoush offers a perfect balance of flavours and textures, making it a favourite among those who appreciate the simplicity and beauty of Mediterranean cuisine.
What Is Fattoush?
Fattoush is a mixed salad that traditionally includes a variety of fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and lettuce, tossed together with toasted or fried pita bread pieces. The pita croutons add a satisfying crunch to the salad, making it more substantial than your average garden salad.
Fattoush is typically dressed with a tangy, zesty dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and sumac, a spice that imparts a unique tartness that defines the salad’s flavour profile.
Ingredients and Taste
The ingredients in Fattoush are simple yet bursting with flavour. Fresh, ripe tomatoes bring sweetness and juiciness, while crisp cucumbers and radishes add a refreshing bite. The lettuce serves as a mild, crunchy base, and the addition of fresh herbs like parsley or mint adds a fragrant, aromatic element that elevates the salad.
The pita bread is usually cut into bite-sized pieces and either toasted or fried until golden and crispy. These pita croutons soak up the tangy dressing, providing a contrast in texture and a burst of flavour with each bite.
The dressing itself is a highlight of Fattoush. Made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and sumac, it is tangy and bright, with the sumac offering a distinct lemony tartness that sets it apart from other salad dressings. This dressing ties all the components together, creating a harmonious balance of flavours, refreshing, tangy, and slightly earthy.
A Taste of History
Fattoush originates from the Levantine region, with its roots firmly planted in Lebanese cuisine. The name “Fattoush” comes from the Arabic word “fatt,” meaning “crumbs,” referring to the pieces of bread that are integral to the dish.
Historically, Fattoush was a way for people to make use of leftover pita bread, giving it new life by toasting it and adding it to salads. Over time, this practice evolved into a beloved dish that is now a cornerstone of Lebanese mezze, small plates that are shared among diners.
Traditional Lebanese Fattoush Recipe
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 large pita breads
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 radishes, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh purslane (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the pita bread into bite-sized squares. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, radishes, red onion, mint, parsley, and purslane if using. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, sumac, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Just before serving, add the toasted pita squares to the salad mixture. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.
Toss the salad gently but thoroughly, ensuring that the dressing is evenly distributed over the vegetables and pita croutons.
Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavours to meld and the pita to absorb some of the dressing.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle a little extra sumac on top for an added burst of tanginess.
Serve the Fattoush immediately as a refreshing side dish or light meal. It pairs beautifully with grilled
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