Fattoush II

Fattoush II Recipe - A Flavorful Arabian Salad

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fattoush is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that is known for its fresh and vibrant flavors. This recipe for Fattoush II is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a larger meal.

History

Fattoush has been a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Lebanon and Syria, where it was traditionally made with leftover bread and seasonal vegetables. The name "Fattoush" comes from the Arabic word "fatta," which means "crumbled bread."

Ingredients

4 pieces of toasted pitta bread
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 green pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
1 red pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
1 tbsp flat leaf parsley, finely chopped (discard stems)
4 spring onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), gas mark 6.
Cut the bread into small 2.5 cm (1 inch) pieces and place them on a baking tray. Toast in the oven for 5 – 10 minutes until they become crisp and light brown.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, green peppers, red peppers, parsley, spring onions, mint, garlic, and cucumber.
Next, add salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Now, add the toasted bread and mix everything well.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Substitute the pitta bread with croutons for a different texture.
Add feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the pitta bread until it is crisp and light brown to add a crunchy texture to the salad.

- Use fresh and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Fattoush II can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the pitta bread adds a crunchy texture to the salad, while mixing the vegetables with the dressing allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the pitta bread with any other type of flatbread or even tortilla chips.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Fattoush II in a large salad bowl or on individual plates, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint or parsley.

Pairing Recommendations

Fattoush II pairs well with grilled meats, kebabs, or falafel.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Fattoush II is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not reheat the salad, as the bread will become soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fattoush II contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fattoush II contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fattoush II contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Fattoush II contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Fattoush II is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pitta bread. It may also contain traces of nuts if the bread was made in a facility that processes nuts.

Summary

Fattoush II is a nutritious and balanced dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Fattoush II is a delicious and healthy Middle Eastern salad that is easy to make and full of fresh flavors. Enjoy this dish as a light and refreshing meal any time of the year.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Aisha's house for lunch. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of spices and herbs wafting from the kitchen.

Aisha welcomed me with a warm hug and a bright smile. "I'm so glad you could come over, dear," she said. "I've been wanting to share this recipe with you for a while now."

I was intrigued. Aisha was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I was always eager to learn new recipes from her. Little did I know that this particular recipe would become one of my absolute favorites.

As we sat down at the table, Aisha brought out a large bowl filled with a colorful assortment of vegetables, herbs, and crispy pieces of pita bread. "This is Fattoush," she explained. "It's a traditional Middle Eastern salad that is bursting with flavor and freshness."

I took a bite of the salad and was immediately hooked. The combination of crunchy vegetables, tangy dressing, and toasted pita bread was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Aisha was more than happy to teach me. She showed me how to chop the vegetables, mix the dressing, and toast the pita bread to perfection. She explained that Fattoush was a versatile dish that could be customized to suit any taste preference.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time adding my own little twist to make it truly my own. Whether it's adding extra herbs or using different types of vegetables, Fattoush has become a staple in my kitchen.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the delicious tradition of Fattoush to the next generation. It brings me joy to see their faces light up as they take their first bite of this flavorful salad.

One of my favorite memories involving this recipe was when my granddaughter Sophia helped me make Fattoush for the first time. She was only six years old at the time, but her enthusiasm and curiosity were infectious.

As we chopped vegetables together and mixed the dressing, I could see the gleam of pride in Sophia's eyes. When we sat down to eat the salad, she exclaimed, "Grandma, this is the best salad I've ever had!"

I smiled at her and gave her a big hug. It warmed my heart to see her so excited about cooking and trying new things. I knew in that moment that the tradition of Fattoush would live on in our family for years to come.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about the day I first learned to make Fattoush, I am filled with gratitude for Aisha and the wonderful memories we shared over a simple salad. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to share stories and create lasting bonds.

I may have learned this recipe from a dear friend, but it has become a part of who I am. Fattoush is more than just a salad – it is a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing food and traditions with loved ones.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I will always hold onto the memory of that warm summer day when I discovered the magic of Fattoush for the first time. It is a recipe that has brought me closer to those I love, and for that, I am forever grateful.