Authentic Lebanese Fattoush Recipe

 Serves 4-6 people | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes

 

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 3-4 day-old pita breads (or 2 cups store-bought pita chips)
• 4 medium tomatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large cucumbers, diced
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 4-5 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh purslane (fattoush), chopped (optional but traditional)

For the Sumac Dressing:

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 tbsp ground sumac
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp pomegranate molasses (optional, for authentic flavor)

Garnish:

• Extra sumac for sprinkling
• Fresh mint sprigs
• Pomegranate seeds (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Pita:

1. Toast the pita: If using day-old pita bread, tear into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Crisp the bread: Add pita pieces to the skillet and toast until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
3. Cool and set aside: Remove from heat and let cool. The pita should be very crispy but not burnt.

Preparing the Vegetables:

1. Prep the vegetables: Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly. Cut tomatoes into wedges or bite-sized pieces, dice cucumbers, slice onions thinly, and chop the bell pepper.
2. Salt the tomatoes: Place cut tomatoes in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let drain for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
3. Prepare herbs: Roughly chop parsley and mint. If using purslane, chop it as well.

Making the Dressing:

1. Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, ground sumac, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add pomegranate molasses: If using, whisk in pomegranate molasses for extra tanginess and authentic flavor.
3. Taste and adjust: The dressing should be tangy and well-balanced. Adjust lemon juice, sumac, or salt as needed.

Assembling the Fattoush:

1. Combine vegetables: In a large serving bowl, combine the drained tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, radishes, bell pepper, lettuce, parsley, mint, and purslane (if using).
2. Add dressing: Pour the sumac dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
3. Add pita last: Just before serving, add the crispy pita pieces and toss gently. This prevents them from getting soggy.
4. Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more lemon juice, sumac, or salt as desired.

Serving:

1. Garnish: Sprinkle extra sumac over the top and garnish with fresh mint sprigs and pomegranate seeds if using.
2. Serve immediately: Fattoush is best served right after assembling to maintain the crispiness of the pita.

Traditional Lebanese Tips

Essential Ingredients:

• Sumac: This is the key ingredient that gives fattoush its distinctive tangy, lemony flavor
• Fresh herbs: Use plenty of parsley and mint - they should make up a significant portion of the salad
• Purslane: If available, this adds authentic flavor and crunch

Preparation Secrets:

• Day-old pita: Slightly stale pita works better than fresh for crisping
• Drain tomatoes: This prevents the salad from becoming watery
• Don't overdress: Start with less dressing and add more as needed
• Serve immediately: Add pita just before serving to maintain crunch

Variations

Seasonal Additions:

• Summer: Add fresh corn kernels or cherry tomatoes
• Spring: Include fresh green onions or baby spinach
• Winter: Add roasted beets or pomegranate seeds

Protein Options (for a main dish):

• Grilled halal chicken strips
• Crumbled feta or goat cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Chickpeas or white beans

Storage Notes

• Dressing: Can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated
• Vegetables: Can be prepped 4 hours ahead, keep refrigerated
• Assembled salad: Best eaten immediately; pita will get soggy if stored

Nutritional Benefits

• Rich in vitamins A and C from fresh vegetables
• High in fiber from vegetables and herbs
• Antioxidants from sumac and fresh herbs
• Heart-healthy olive oil

Sahtein! (To your health!) - Enjoy this authentic taste of Lebanon!