Jordan: Fatoush

Bashar Abdallah

Fatoush: Jordan

This amazing zesty salad recipe is very popular in the Arab world!  It originated in the “Sham” area (which was the area of present day Jordan, Lebanon and Syria when they were all one country), and ever since it has been a cultural phenomenon in the Arab world. It is also an appetizer for most of my family meals. Since I was five years old, this salad has been the only way my mom could get me to eat greens! We mostly used to have it during the month of "Ramadan"; which is a holy month in the Islamic religion where we have to fast everyday for a month. There is no specific religious reason for including this salad; I guess it was just a family tradition. After a whole day of fasting, this salad would just make my day! The sourness in the dressing makes it so refreshing and appetizing, and will make you ask for more! Later on, I asked my mom to include it in all family meals, and ever since I just can’t wait until family dinner time comes so I can enjoy the wonderful "Fatoush" that my mom makes! I hope that more people would try this salad, so they experience the same joy and nourishment that this salad provides me.

THE RECIPE

· Ingredients: (3-4 servings)

4 Lettuce leaves

3 Tomatoes

2 Cucumbers

Mint

1 Lemon

1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice

Half an Onion

Pita OR toast bread

Salt

Olive oil

Summak (Red powder available in many Arabic stores like 'Adonis')

Corn or Canola oil

Procedure:

-Chop the lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers into medium sized pieces and put them in a large bowl.

-Cut the lemon into almond-sized cubes with the skin intact. (Do not peel the lemons)

-Chop the onions into tiny, pea-sized cubes, and add to the rest of the vegetables.

-Cut the mint leaves in half and add to mixture.

-Cut the bread into little cubes (for toast bread) or squares (for Pita bread).

Fry the bread in Canola or Corn oil, and leave at the side to dry and cool down.-

-Put some salt on the vegetables, and then follow with about 3 tablespoons of Summak. (Add according to personal preference)

-Add the lemon juice to the mixture.

-Pour some Olive oil on the salad and mix thoroughly.

-Finally, put the fried bread on top of the salad and enjoy!

Picture:

http://blog.dailycal.org/travel/2009/07/16/revenge-of-the-fattoush-a-travel-advisory/

The picture in the middle (second one)