Fattoush is a popular Lebanese salad known for its fresh, vibrant ingredients and the distinctive crunch of toasted or fried pita bread. Here's a simple recipe to make Fattoush at home:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
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Romaine Lettuce: 3 cups, chopped.
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Cucumbers: 2 medium, diced.
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Tomatoes: 2 large, diced.
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Radishes: 5-6, thinly sliced.
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Green Onions: 3-4, chopped.
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Fresh Mint: 1/2 cup, chopped.
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Fresh Parsley: 1 cup, chopped.
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Pita Bread: 2 loaves, toasted or fried until crispy.
For the Dressing:
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Olive Oil: 1/3 cup.
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Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons, fresh.
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Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
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Sumac: 2 teaspoons.
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Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, green onions, mint, and parsley. Place them in a large salad bowl.
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Toast or Fry Pita Bread: Cut the pita bread into small squares or triangles. You can either toast them in the oven until they're crispy (about 10 minutes at 350°F/175°C) or fry them in a small amount of oil until golden brown. Set aside.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, sumac, salt, and pepper. Adjust the flavors to your liking.
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Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure all the vegetables are coated.
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Add Pita Bread: Just before serving, add the toasted or fried pita bread to the salad and toss gently. This keeps the bread from becoming too soggy.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with a little extra sumac if desired.
Tips:
- Fattoush is best enjoyed fresh. If you're planning to serve it later, keep the dressing and toasted pita bread separate until right before serving.
- Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on preference or availability. For example, bell peppers, feta cheese, or olives can be great additions.
- The key to a great Fattoush is the dressing and the crunch of the pita, so don't skimp on these elements!
Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Fattoush salad!
