Fattouch is a staple homemade salad boosting with zest and a satisfying crunch of fried pita cubes. The salad originated in the North of Lebanon and the word Fattouch is derived from Fatteh which means crumbs. In fact, Fatteh is a term for all Levantine dishes made with fried or baked pita bread, such as chicken Fatteh, meat Fatteh, and chickpeas Fatteh.
I remember, growing up, my mom would make Fattouch whenever she cooked fried fish or BBQ meat. It is the perfect side dish packed with nutritious ingredients and zesty flavour. I often replace a regular meal with Fattouch salad because it contains carbs and is quite filling and low calories. This makes it a healthy meal option for vegans and vegetarian diets.
Must have ingredients for Fattouch
The secret to a zestful Fattouch Salad is in the two authentic ingredients: Pomegranate molasses and Sumac. You can find them in Middle Eastern stores, or online. And to make the most flavourful salad, make sure to use the freshest vegetables and herbs (Mint) for the best mixture. Lastly, add the pita chips and dressing last so that the chips and ingredients don’t get soggy.
Ingredients
- 1/2 heart of Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 English cucumber, chopped
- 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 pink onion, chopped
- 1 green onion (both white and green parts), chopped
- 5 radishes, stems removed, thinly sliced
- Parsley leaves: 1 cup coarsely chopped, stems removed
- Fresh Mint leaves: 1 cup chopped
- 1 tablespoon Zaatar (or dried Thym)
Place all these fresh veggies and herbs in a salad bawl.
Seasoning
- 1 1/2 lemons (juice)
- 1 teaspoon Pomegranate Molasses
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tsp sumac
- 1 garlic glove, crushed
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Mix all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
Pita chips
Ready made pita chips (available in Middle Eastern stores), or make your own:
- 1 loaf of pita bread (cut in cubes)
- Extra virgin olive oil
In a large pan, heat up extra virgin olive oil, then add the cut-up pita, and toss. It’s plainly seasoned, but the olive oil and light frying on the stovetop are what give it that crunch factor! You’ll be tempted to eat the pita chips alone all day (wink).
Final step
Add the pita chips to the salad bowl and pour in the seasoning. Toss everything well and serve fresh.
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