Not everyone loves salads or vegetables as it is often deemed as diet food or starters for the main course. However, there is one particular type of salad that can light up your appetite and make you love salad once again!
Fattoush is a type of Middle Eastern salad consisting of toasted or pieces of Khubz, also known as Arabic flatbread, mixed together with radish, carrots, tomato chunks, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, parsley and lettuce.
This European / Mediterranean salad dish is often paired with a zesty lime vinaigrette. The Khubz in this salad can be replaced with croutons as well. However, most people would prefer it in Khubz as this salad can be eaten in pita wraps.
The Origins Of Fattoush
Fattoush originated from Lebanon and is often seen on a Middle Eastern dinner table. It is actually considered as fried bread salad since it is based on flatbread and pita.
In Arabic, where this fantastic salad originated from, the term ‘Fattoush’ was derived from ‘fatteh’, which gives the meaning of crumbs. Therefore, the main idea of Fattoush is to toast the seasoned flatbread and mix it with a bunch of vegetable options.
This salad dish was spread across the Middle Eastern continents, and now, there are different types of Fattoush available in different countries. Some, they remain the traditional version and ingredients of Fattoush. Still, they change up the salad dressings to incorporate the local culture.
The Pita Bread Of Fattoush
Fattoush is revolved around its flatbread or pita bread. Therefore, good quality pita bread is essential in this dish. The method of preparing and toasting the pita bread is crucial too.
Why pita? This is because just like rice and noodles in Chinese culture and potatoes in Russian and European cultures, bread is the staple dish for the Middle Eastern community. This is why bread is added in most of their dishes, including Fattoush.
Pita is often eaten for most meals, from breakfast to lunch and dinner. Typically, during breakfast, pita is covered in honey and is eaten that way! As for lunch and dinner, it is commonly dipped in olive oil.
Fattoush Salad Dressings
Since a salad does not have many variations in terms of ingredients, one can play around with the salad dressings.
The typical dressing for Fattoush is lime vinaigrette, which basically consists of lime juice, garlic, olive oil and some honey which is optional. This basic dressing is loved by everyone as it does not overwhelm the original taste of the flatbread and the greens, instead further enhances the flavours.
There are other types of dressings used for Fattoush, this includes Greek yoghurt, mint dressings, hummus, sumac vinaigrette, and so on. The salad dressings for Fattoush varies according to personal preferences, just like any other salads.
Where To Find Fattoush?
Salad is relatively easy to make. Therefore, you may choose to make your own Fattoush at home! The ingredients are pretty straight forward, and they are easily available as well.
Besides, if there happens to be a Lebanese restaurant in your community, you may head in and get one for yourself. Since Middle Eastern food has always been a hit in Malaysia, it is not hard to find a Middle Eastern restaurant around us.
If you are lazy to head out for food hunting, go for foodpanda instead! Foodpanda offers wide varieties of cuisines, and it delivers right to your doorstep. Dine with foodpanda today!