Fattoush (Bread Salad) – Lebanon

Fattoush is a Levantine salad made from toasted or fried pieces of khubz combined with mixed greens and other vegetables, such as radishes and tomatoes.

• 2 loaves pita bread
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 2 teaspoon sumac, divided, more as needed
• 1 heart of Romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 English cucumber, cut in half, seeds scraped, then chopped or sliced into half moons
• 5 Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 5 green onions (both white and green parts), chopped
• 5 radishes, stems removed, thinly sliced
• 2 cups chopped fresh parsley leaves, stems removed
• 1 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)

Vinaigrette/Dressing

• Juice of 1 lemon or 1 ½ limes
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 to 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses, optional
• Salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• scant ¼ teaspoon ground allspice 

1. Slide the pita bread into small bite-size pieces. Heat 3 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan until shimmering, and add the pita bread. Fry briefly until browned, tossing frequently. Using a pair of tongs, transfer the fried pita chips to a plate lined with paper towel to drain.  Season with salt, pepper and sumac.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions with the sliced radish and parsley.
3. To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon or lime juice, olive oil, pomegranate molasses (if using), salt, pepper and spices.
4. Pour toss lightly. Then, add the pita chips, and more sumac if you like, and toss one more time. Transfer to small serving bowls or plates.

Bread salad is super nutritious!