Salads
Fattoush Bahrainiya (Bahraini Bread Salad)
Ingredients
- - 2 pieces Arabic flatbread, toasted or fried until crisp
- - 2 tomatoes, diced
- - 1 cucumber, diced
- - 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- - 3 spring onions, sliced
- - 1 green bell pepper, diced
- - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- - 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- - 3 tbsp olive oil
- - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- - 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- - 1 tsp sumac, plus extra for garnish
- - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- - 1/4 tsp black pepper
Method
- Break the toasted or fried flatbread into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, spring onions, bell pepper, parsley and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, sumac, salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to combine.
- Add the crispy bread pieces just before serving and toss gently so they stay crunchy.
- Sprinkle with extra sumac and serve immediately.
Introduction: Fattoush is a bright, crunchy salad built on fried or toasted flatbread scraps, tossed with fresh vegetables and a tangy sumac dressing.
Cultural Background: Fattoush is a bright, crunchy salad built on fried or toasted flatbread scraps, tossed with fresh vegetables and a tangy sumac dressing. Widely shared across the Levant and Gulf, it is a familiar sight on Bahraini tables, particularly during Ramadan iftar spreads.
Tips: – Add the bread at the very last moment so it keeps its crunch and does not turn soggy. – Sumac gives Fattoush its signature tang; look for it in Middle Eastern grocers.
Variations: – Purslane leaves are a traditional addition where available. – For extra freshness, a handful of pomegranate seeds can be scattered on top.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Naturally vegan as written.
Storage: Store the dressed vegetables (without bread) in the refrigerator for up to 1 day; add fresh bread just before serving.
Reheating: This salad is served cold and does not require reheating.
Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 160 kcal, 3 g protein, 18 g carbohydrates, 9 g fat, 3 g fibre.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use pita bread instead of Arabic flatbread? A: Yes, pita works well; simply split it open, toast or fry until crisp, then break into pieces. Q: What can I use if I don’t have pomegranate molasses? A: A mix of lemon juice with a touch of sugar can approximate the tangy-sweet flavour, though the taste will differ slightly.
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