Fattoush

Fattoush is a Levantine salad made from toasted or fried pieces of pita bread combined with mixed greens and other vegetables. Fattoush belongs to the family of dishes known as fattat (plural of fatteh), which use stale flatbread as a base.

History

Fattoush has been a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It originated in the Levant region, which includes the modern-day countries of Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and parts of northern Iraq. The dish was traditionally made using stale or leftover pita bread, making it a practical and sustainable choice for households aiming to reduce waste.

Ingredients

The primary ingredient in fattoush is toasted or fried pita bread. The bread is typically cut into small pieces and then mixed with various vegetables. Common additions include cucumber, tomato, and radish, along with lettuce and other leafy greens. The salad is often dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, and it may be seasoned with sumac for a tangy flavor. Some variations of the dish also include garlic or onion.

Preparation

To prepare fattoush, the pita bread is first toasted or fried until it is crispy. The bread is then broken into pieces and combined with the chopped vegetables. The salad is dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, and it is typically seasoned with sumac and salt. The ingredients are then tossed together until they are well mixed. Fattoush is often served as a side dish, but it can also be eaten as a light meal on its own.

Variations

There are many regional variations of fattoush. In Lebanon and Syria, for example, the salad often includes purslane, a leafy green vegetable. In Jordan and Palestine, fattoush may be made with naan bread instead of pita. Some versions of the dish also include feta cheese or other ingredients, depending on local tastes and traditions.

See also

• List of salads
• List of Middle Eastern dishes
• Levantine cuisine