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Fattoush is a popular Middle Eastern salad known for its fresh and vibrant flavors. Here’s a simple recipe for Fattoush:

Ingredients:

• 2 pita bread
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 bunch of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons sumac
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the pita bread into small pieces, around 1-inch square. Spread them out on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes until they are crispy and golden. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint leaves.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, sumac, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well, making sure everything is evenly coated.
5. Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted pita pieces over the salad and toss gently to combine. The pita will soak up some of the dressing, adding a lovely crunch to the salad.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh and tangy flavors of the Fattoush salad!

Note: Feel free to customize your Fattoush salad by adding extras like sliced radishes, kalamata olives, or crumbled feta cheese for added flavor and texture.

Something I experienced and helped while making it my tricks:

1. Revive stale pita bread: If your pita bread is a bit stale, you can quickly revive it by lightly wetting it with water and then toasting it in the oven or on a stovetop. This will help bring back its crispness and make it suitable for the Fattoush salad.
2. Add a twist with grilled vegetables: To give your Fattoush salad an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the vegetables before adding them to the salad. Simply brush them with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until they are slightly charred and softened. Then, dice and incorporate them into the salad.
3. Make it colorful: Fattoush traditionally incorporates vibrant colors, so consider adding colorful vegetables like radishes, cherry tomatoes, or orange or yellow bell peppers to make the salad even more visually appealing.
4. Get creative with herbs: While parsley and mint are the staple herbs in Fattoush, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs, such as dill or cilantro, to add a unique twist to the salad.
5. Serve it cold: Fattoush is best enjoyed when it’s served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together. Keep the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, or even longer if you can, for the best taste.

Bon appétit!