Phoodie’s Phattoush (Lebanese Peasant Salad) 8

Actually it’s not Phoodie’s Phattoush, it’s Teita’s FATTOUSH. And for the non regulars, Teita’s my Mum.

This quick and easy peasant salad is tangy and satisfying. Great for lunch or as a side at dinner.

If you love salt, lemon and middle eastern spices this is a WINNER!

Salad Ingredients

1/2 Iceberg lettuce (cut into thin strips)

2 Lebanese cucumbers – seeds removed, diced

1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)

2 cups diced tomato (any type, I use a baby variety as they tend to be sweeter)

1 bunch parsley – sliced inside lettuce (see below)

2 large Lebanese breads – halved and toasted

3 teaspoons of Za’atar

Dressing ingredients

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 clove garlic – crushed

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup – 3/4 cup lemon juice (choose to suit your taste!)

Method

1) Peel off one of the largest leaves of the lettuce. Place the bunch of parsley inside the leaf and roll. Once rolled, slice the lettuce into thin strips. Toss this into your bowl.

2) Slice the remainder of the lettuce into strips and chuck in bowl.

3) To prep your cucumber, start by cutting it in half, then in half again. Remove seeds and dice. Add to bowl. Toss through gently with your hands.

4) Add diced tomato.

5) Add VERY FINELY sliced red onion.

6) Tear Lebanese breads in half and toast in the oven for 1-2 mins, until crispy. If you take your eyes off the oven THEY WILL BURN. If you sneeze THEY WILL BURN. If you breathe THEY WILL BURN etc.

7) Remove bread from oven and break into large pieces, about the size of a golf ball. Sprinkle with Za’atar and drizzle in olive oil.

8) Combine dressing ingredients in a jar and mix well. Pour over salad just before serving. Add crispy bread to top of dressed salad seconds before serving!

Kali Orexi!