Fattoush

 

• 2 loaves pita bread
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 2 tsp sumac, divided, more as needed
• 1 heart of Romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 English cucumber, cut in half, seeds scraped, then chopped or sliced into half moons
• 5 Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 5 green onions (both white and green parts), chopped
• 5 radishes, stems removed, thinly sliced
• 2 cups chopped fresh parsley leaves, stems removed
• 1 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)

VINAIGRETTE/DRESSING

• Juice of 1 lemon or 1 1/2 limes
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 
• 1 to 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses, optional
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tsp sumac
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• scant 1/4 tsp ground allspice

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Break the pita bread into small bite-size pieces. Heat 3 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan until shimmering, and add the pita bread. Fry briefly until browned, tossing frequently. Using a pair of tongs, transfer the fried pita chips to a plate lined with paper towel to drain.  Season with salt, pepper and sumac.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions with the sliced radish and parsley.
3. To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon or lime juice, olive oil, pomegranate molasses (if using), salt, pepper and spices.
4. Pour toss lightly. Finally, add the pita chips, and more sumac if you like, and toss one more time. Transfer to small serving bowls or plates. Enjoy!

NOTES

• Variations: fattoush salad dressing often include pomegranate molasses. If that's available to you, add 1 to 2 teaspoons to the dressing, it really does make it extra special.  For the salad, you can also add more herbs or other greens such as arugula (not traditional to fattoush but wonderful!)