In the Middle East, the pursuit of fresh-out-of-the-oven pita is real, but that doesn’t mean leftover pieces go to waste! There are many creative ways people of the Middle East utilize pita scraps. In fact, day-old pita inspired an entire food genre known as “Fatta,” or “Fatteh.” In fatteh dishes, like this Lebanese Chicken Fatteh or fattoush salad, leftover pita is given a second chance as a main ingredient. See video tutorial for how to make our simple fattoush salad:
What is Fattoush?
Fattoush is essentially a “bread salad,” said to have originated in Northern Lebanon. Lebanese farmers would fry leftover pita scraps in a bit of olive oil for extra flavor. And to build their fattoush, they’d simply throw the pita chips in with whatever in-season vegetables and herbs they have on hand. For this reason, the ingredient list for fattoush may vary. And you will certainly find different versions of fattoush throughout the Middle East.
Basic Fattoush Recipe
If you were to order a basic fattoush salad at a local restaurant, you likely find: cucumbers, tomatoes, purslane leaves (or lettuce), radish, and green onions. Fresh herbs like parsely or mint, or both. A simple zesty vinaigrette and a generous dash of sumac spice give fattoush its distinctly complex flavor.
Tips for Making Fattoush
As with any fresh salad, fattoush is the sum of its parts. So here are just a few tips:
Step-by-step photos for how to make fattoush
Toast the pita bread in your toaster oven until it is crisp but not browned. 4.9 from 36 reviews Heat 3 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan. Break the pita bread into pieces, and place in the heated oil. Fry briefly until browned, tossing frequently. Add salt, pepper and 1/2 tsp of sumac. Remove the pita chips from the heat and place on paper towels to drain. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions with the sliced radish and parsley. To make the lime vinaigrette, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil and spices in a small bowl. Dress the salad with the vinaigrette and toss lightly. Finally, add the pita chips (and another generous pinch of sumac, if you like) and toss one more time.
Transfer to small serving bowls or plates. Enjoy!
More Recipes to Try:
3-Ingredient Mediterranean Salad Tabouli Salad Lebanese Chicken Fatteh Bowls How to Make Labneh *Post last updated: July 2017
