Bowl of Fattoush Salad
(click to enlarge)

Fattoush Salad


Lebanon   -   Fattoush
Serves:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 5 salad
**
45 min
Most		 This very popular salad is known in the region as a "peasant salad", probably because it uses bread rather than meat and traditionally includes chickweed, a common weed.




2
ar
12
14
5
1/2
1/2
1/4
1
------
1
1/2
1/4
1/4
1/8
------
7"

oz
oz
oz
c
c
c
c
---
cl
t
c
c
t
---
Pita Bread
Olive Oil ExtV
Cucumbers (1)
Tomatoes
Bell Pepper, grn
Scallions
Parsley
Mint, fresh
Chickweed (2)
-- Dressing
Garlic
Salt
Lemon Juice,
Olive Oil ExtV
Pepper, black
--------
Make   -   (45 min)
  1. Cut PITA into 3/4 inch squares and fry in olive oil, tossing constantly, until lightly browned (see Note-3). Use just enough oil as needed to wet them lightly.
  2. Cut CUCUMBERS in quarters lengthwise, then crosswise less than 1/4 inch thick. Dice TOMATOES about 1/2 inch or a little larger. Dice BELL PEPPER about 1/4 inch. Mix all.
  3. Split SCALLIONS lengthwise and cut thin crosswise. Chop Parsley fine. Chop Mint fine. Mix all with Tomatoes.
  4. Chop CHICKWEED fine (if using). If using PURSLANE chop a bit larger. Mix with Tomatoes.
  5. Make Dressing:   Crush GARLIC and chop fine. place in a mortar with Salt and mash to a paste. Mix all Dressing items in a small jar.
  6. When ready to serve, stir Pita into salad, then shake up the Dressing, pour over and toss to coat.
NOTES:

  1. Cucumbers:

      Part of the Cucumbers is often replaced with lettuce. For the cukes, use Persian or some other smaller diameter cucumber that doesn't need peeling or seeding (English, Mediterranean, European, Japanese, Kirby). If you have only the standard waxed green blimps, peel them and cut into sixths lengthwise before slicing, and weigh after peeling and seeding.

  2. Chickweed:

      Not sold in stores. This is a weed you have to pick yourself. It's real hard to find here in Los Angeles, so I suggest another weed in the carnation family, Purslane, which we have plenty of. For details see our Carnations page.

  3. Pita Bread:

      Most recipes call for the pita to be toasted, then cut or torn into pieces. I find frying gives me better control, better tasting bread, and it doesn't get so soggy in buffet service (also, it made a much better photo).
  4. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove ",in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
mgv_fattou1 121204 lc98   -   www.clovegarden.com
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