Fattoush

Fattoush is a Lebanese salad. It includes different vegetables and herbs according to the season and your taste. The vegetables are usually cut into large pieces. It is usually seasoned with Sumac. I make Cous-Cous with vegetable stew a lot and this salad goes very well with it. Toasted Pita chips are used instead of Croutons for the crunch factor. It is light, colorful and very refreshing.

This Recipe will serve 2-3 people

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 2 Lebanese cucumbers
• 2 radish, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup mint, roughly chopped
• 2 pita bread
• Extra virgin olive oil for frying

Dressing:

 

• 1 clove garlic, very finely chopped
• 2 tsp sumac (a spice you should find it in the grocery store)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp agave nectar
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Method:

1. Wash the tomatoes, radish and cucumber and chop into cubes. Mix together in a large bowl and add the sliced onion, and the herbs. Season with a little sea salt and set aside.
2. To make the dressing, add all the ingredients together in a jar and shake well. Pour about half over the salad.
3. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cut the pitas into quarters and then place in the pan, in batches, turning, for 1 to 2 minutes or until crisp and lightly golden. Once all the bread is fried, blot the excess oil with paper towel and break the bread into smaller pieces while adding to the salad.
4. Toss the whole thing and add more dressing if desired.

* Feta cheese can also be added for additional texture!