lomiloml
Culinary Explorer
I recently made Syrian Fattoush, and it was an absolute hit! This refreshing and vibrant salad is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, combining fresh vegetables with crispy pieces of pita bread, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or even a light main course. Here’s how you can make your own Fattoush at home:
Ingredients:
- For the Salad:
- 2-3 pieces of pita bread, toasted or fried until crispy
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac (optional, but highly recommended for authenticity)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pita Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the pita bread into small bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet.
- Toast the pita pieces in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can fry them in a bit of oil until crispy. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and radishes.
- Add the chopped parsley and mint leaves, and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or a jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, ground sumac, minced garlic, pomegranate molasses, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Add the crispy pita pieces and give the salad a final gentle toss.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Fattoush immediately to ensure the pita bread remains crispy. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or a light main course.
Conclusion
Syrian Fattoush is a delightful salad that brings together a mix of fresh, crunchy vegetables with the unique flavor of crispy pita and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for any meal and adds a burst of freshness to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or as part of a larger spread, Fattoush is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Syria in every bite!
Definitely adding this to my list for a light and flavorful meal.
