Did you know? Fattūsh is derived from the Arabic fatt “crush”.
Fattoush (Arabic: فتوش; also fattush, fatush, fattoosh, and fattouche), a Middle Eastern bread salad, originated in Lebanon as a way to use stale or leftover pita bread.
The word “fattoush” is derived from the Arabic word “fatt,” meaning to crumble or break into pieces, referring to the bread. This resourceful dish combines fried or toasted pita bread with fresh vegetables and herbs, creating a flavorful and satisfying salad.
Here’s a more detailed look:
Resourcefulness:
Fattoush’s history is rooted in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, where it was created out of necessity to avoid food waste.
Farmers and families would repurpose stale pita bread by frying or toasting it and combining it with whatever vegetables and herbs were available.
Key Ingredients:
The core of fattoush is the bread, which is typically fried or toasted pita.
Other common ingredients include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and various herbs like parsley and mint. A tangy dressing, often featuring sumac and/or pomegranate molasses, adds a distinct flavor.
Variations:
While the core concept remains the same, the specific ingredients and methods of preparing the bread can vary from region to region and even from household to household.
Popularity:
Fattoush has become a beloved dish throughout the Levant (Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan) and beyond, extending to Middle Eastern restaurants and homes worldwide.
It’s a testament to the ingenuity of Lebanese cuisine, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful and refreshing salad.
The fattoush featured here by Chef @alaaaloush_ of #Souk @tajmahalmumbai is innovative and theatrical, where fattoush is stuffed inside the bread, the flat bread covering is broken and crushed to mix with the salad.
#fattoush #salad #arabic
Dining and Cooking