Flavorista

Craving a taste of summer? Fattoush is for you!

April 5th, 2009

I have been working on a really crazy assignment that has me shopping, cooking and typing like mad.  Thank God for grandmothers who babysit and husbands willing to take on extra duties.

Last week, I had to make fattoush, also known as Lebanese bread salad.  This wonderful recipe from Catherine Walthers is just so good; one bite off the fork and I was transported to an August, backyard dinner resplendant with cukes, tomatoes and fresh herbs.  This salad made me take pause amidst all the chaos.  During that pause, I reminded myself that this cold spring will soon be over and that I’ll be planting pickling cukes soon enough.

Recipe Adapted from Hannaford fresh September-October 2008.

Salad
1/2 (6oz) bag Stacy’s Pita Chips, broken into smaller pieces
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 English cucumber, peeled and diced or 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, diced
1 dry pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 (15-oz. can) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 cup slivered fresh mint
6 oz. crumbled feta cheese

Dressing
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil 
1 1/2 tsp. minced fresh garlic
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. salt

1. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, chickpeas, parsley, and mint.  Toss well.
2. Just before serving, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and salt. Pour dressing over lettuce and toss. Gently mix in pita chips and feta.  Serve immediately.

Entry Filed under: Food Press,Savory Recipes