Fattoush facts for kids
 |
|
| Type | Salad |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Pita, mixed greens, vegetables |
Fattoush (Arabic: فتوش) is a yummy and fresh salad from the Middle East. It's especially popular in countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. What makes Fattoush special is the crunchy pieces of toasted or fried pita bread mixed in with fresh, chopped vegetables. It's often served as a side dish or a light meal.
Contents
What is Fattoush?
Fattoush is a type of salad that is part of Levantine cuisine. This means it comes from the eastern Mediterranean region. It's known for its mix of textures and flavors. You get the crispiness of the bread, the freshness of the vegetables, and a tangy, sour dressing.
Main Ingredients of Fattoush
The main parts of a Fattoush salad are usually:
- Pita bread: This flatbread is cut into pieces, then either toasted, baked, or fried until it's golden and crunchy. This adds a great texture to the salad.
- Fresh vegetables: Common vegetables include cucumber, tomato, radish, and bell pepper.
- Leafy greens: Romaine lettuce and purslane are often used. Purslane is a leafy green plant with a slightly sour taste.
- Herbs: Fresh mint and parsley are added for their amazing smell and flavor.
- Dressing: The dressing is usually made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a special spice called sumac. Sumac is a reddish-purple spice that gives the dressing its unique sour taste.
How Fattoush is Made
Making Fattoush is quite simple! First, the pita bread is prepared to make it crispy. Then, all the fresh vegetables and herbs are washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces. These are all put into a large bowl. Finally, the dressing is mixed and poured over the salad. Everything is gently tossed together just before serving so the bread stays crunchy.
Why People Love Fattoush
Fattoush is a favorite for many reasons. It's very refreshing, especially in warm climates. It's also packed with fresh vegetables, making it a healthy choice. Many families enjoy Fattoush as part of their daily meals or during special gatherings and holidays. It's a great way to eat lots of fresh produce!
See also
- In Spanish: Fattush para niños
