Fattoush Salad with Sumac is a vibrant and refreshing dish that originates from the Levantine region of the Middle East. It is a staple in Lebanese, Syrian, Jordanian, and Palestinian homes and is often enjoyed as part of a mezze spread or a light meal on its own. Known for its bright flavors, crunchy textures, and tangy sumac-infused dressing, Fattoush is a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce combined with crispy pita bread to create a salad that is both satisfying and flavorful.
The Origins of Fattoush
The name “Fattoush” comes from the Arabic root word “Fatteh,” which refers to dishes that incorporate crumbled or broken bread. Traditionally, Middle Eastern cuisine has emphasized minimizing food waste, leading to the creation of dishes like fattoush that repurpose stale or leftover pita bread. Instead of discarding old bread, it is toasted or fried to add a crunchy texture to the salad. This technique is similar to the use of croutons in Western salads.
Fattoush is believed to have originated in Lebanon, where farmers would toss leftover bread with fresh vegetables from their gardens, mixing in locally available herbs and spices. Over time, it became a beloved dish across the Levant, evolving to include various ingredients depending on regional preferences.
The Role of Sumac in Fattoush
One of the signature ingredients in fattoush salad is sumac, a deep red spice derived from dried and ground berries of the sumac plant. Sumac has a tangy, citrus-like flavor that enhances the freshness of the salad without overpowering the natural taste of the vegetables. It is a common spice in Middle Eastern cooking and is often used in dressings, marinades, and seasoning mixes like za’atar. In Fattoush, sumac serves as an essential component of the dressing, providing an extra layer of brightness and complexity to the dish.
Traditional Ingredients and Preparation
Fattoush is prepared using simple yet vibrant ingredients. Fresh vegetables such as cucumber, heirloom tomatoes, red radishes, and romaine lettuce create a colorful and nutritious base. Herbs like mint and parsley add a fragrant and slightly peppery undertone. These ingredients are often combined in a large mixing bowl and tossed with a dressing made from extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sumac, sea salt, and ground black pepper.
The most distinguishing element of Fattoush, however, is the crispy pita bread. The pita is cut into pieces, brushed with olive oil, and grilled until golden brown. These crunchy pieces are added just before serving, ensuring they retain their texture and provide a delightful contrast to the juicy vegetables.
A Dish of Tradition and Adaptation
Fattoush is a versatile dish, allowing for variations based on available ingredients. Some versions include bell peppers, pomegranate seeds, or even a drizzle of pomegranate molasses to introduce a subtle sweetness. Others may incorporate different greens such as arugula or baby spinach for added depth.
Beyond its delicious taste, Fattoush holds cultural significance as a dish that brings people together. Whether served at family gatherings, festive occasions, or casual lunches, it remains a beloved recipe that highlights the resourcefulness and culinary ingenuity of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Fattoush Salad with Sumac
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Knife
- 1 Chopping board
- 1 Grill pan
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cucumber sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup organic heirloom tomatoes diced
- ½ cup red radishes sliced thinly
- 1 cup romaine lettuce chopped bite-sized
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves chopped
- ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley chopped
Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sumac to taste
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Crunchy Pita
- 2 pieces pita bread cut into pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat a grill pan over medium heat. Lightly brush the pita bread pieces with olive oil on both sides. Grill them in the pan until they are crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber, heirloom tomatoes, radishes, romaine lettuce, mint, and parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sumac, sea salt, and ground black pepper to create the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, ensuring every piece is coated evenly with the vibrant dressing.
- Break the crispy pita into smaller pieces and scatter them over the salad just before serving to retain their delightful crunch.