Salads
Lebanese Fattoush

Ingredients
- 1 large pita bread, torn and toasted or fried until crisp
- 2 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- 4 spring onions, sliced
- 15 g (1/4 cup) fresh mint, chopped
- 15 g (1/4 cup) fresh parsley, chopped
- 45 ml (3 tbsp) olive oil
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) lemon juice
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) pomegranate molasses
- 10 g (2 tsp) sumac
- 5 g (1 tsp) salt
Method
- Toast the torn pita pieces in a dry pan or oven at 190°C (375°F) until golden and crisp, about 8 minutes.
- Combine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, spring onions, mint and parsley in a large bowl.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, sumac and salt for the dressing.
- Toss the vegetables with the dressing just before serving.
- Add the toasted pita chips on top and toss briefly to combine.
- Serve immediately while the pita retains its crunch.
Introduction: A crisp mixed salad topped with fried or toasted pita chips and dressed with tangy sumac, fattoush is a signature Lebanese way to use up day-old bread and showcase the freshest seasonal vegetables.
Cultural Background: A crisp mixed salad topped with fried or toasted pita chips and dressed with tangy sumac, fattoush is a signature Lebanese way to use up day-old bread and showcase the freshest seasonal vegetables.
Tips: Add the pita chips at the very last moment to prevent sogginess. Fresh sumac makes a noticeable difference in tang; buy in small quantities.
Variations: A gluten-free version uses toasted chickpeas instead of pita chips. Some households add purslane when in season.
Storage: Store dressed vegetables separately from pita chips; consume the same day for best texture.
Reheating: Not applicable; served cold.
FAQs:
Q: What can I use instead of pomegranate molasses?
A: A mix of lemon juice with a touch of brown sugar can approximate the tang and sweetness.
Q: Can I make fattoush ahead of time?
A: Prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead, but only add pita chips right before serving.

Please log in to leave a comment.