Fattoush – Traditional Lebanese Mixed Salad

This is another famous Lebanese salad that initially was made by peasants to use up leftover raw greens, herbs, tomatoes…. and, last but not least, old (dry) Lebanese flat bread. Nowadays, it is very popular and to make it, we toast the bread (Some even fry the bread) then tear it into bite size pieces.

There is one essential ingredient that you use in this salad which is SUMAC. It derives from the flower of a plant found in Lebanon in the wilderness. The flowers are dried then powdered and used as a spice in many Lebanese recipes. The taste being very tangy, it replaces or complements lemon juice.

It is available now in European supermarkets or you can buy it online.

This colourful and refreshing salad is also part of the Lebanese mezze.

Ingredients

• 2 medium size tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 large cucumber or 2 small, peeled and sliced
• Few leaves of romaine salad, shredded
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• A big handful of rocket leaves, cut in two if big
• A big handful of coarsely chopped flat leaf parsley (big stems removed)
• A smaller handful of coarsely chopped mint leaves
• Leaves of 1 small bunch of purslane ( if available)
• 4 spring onions or 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
• 4 or 5 radishes, cleaned and thinly sliced
• A big handful of toasted Lebanese or pitta bread
• 1 big tbsp of sumac
• Juice of half a lemon or to taste
• 1 small splash of vinegar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced into a paste
• 3/4 tbsp of olive oil, or to your liking
• 1/2 tsp of allspice
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Please note that the quantity of the ingredients can vary, depending on personal tastes.

Method