Email to Cat      

Middle-Eastern Pita Bread Salad

Source of Recipe

From "Williams-Sonoma: Cooking at Home"


Recipe Introduction

"Bread salads have long been a staple throughout the Mediterranean. This particular version, called fattoush in its native Syria, combines cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, bell pepper, and herbs. It's an excellent way to use up leftover pita bread."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 2 pita rounds, 8 inches in diameter, 3 to 4 days old
â—¦ 1 English (hothouse) cucumber
â—¦ Salt and ground pepper
â—¦ 3 tomatoes, about 1¼ pounds total weight
â—¦ 6 green onions, including tender green tops
â—¦ 1 green bell pepper
â—¦ â…“ cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
â—¦ ¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley
â—¦ ¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
â—¦ 2 large cloves garlic, minced
â—¦ ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
â—¦ â…“ cup extra-virgin olive oil


Recipe

Preheat the oven to 375° F.

Split each pita by separating it along the outside seam, then tear the rounds into 1-inch pieces. Spread the pieces on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until lightly golden and dry, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool.

Meanwhile, peel and halve the cucumber lengthwise, scrape out any errant seeds, and cut into small dice. Spread the diced cucumber on paper towels in a single layer, salt lightly, and let drain for 15 minutes. Transfer the cucumbers to a colander, place under cold running water for a few seconds, and spread on clean paper towels.

Seed and dice the tomatoes, cut the green onions crosswise into ¼-inch pieces, and seed and dice the bell pepper. Add the vegetables and all the herbs to the pita. Season with salt and pepper and toss well.

In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, lemon juice, and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss well. Transfer to a platter and serve right away.


Makes 6 servings



• Make it your own:
Bread salads are easy to vary. Brined Mediterranean-style black olives are a nice addition, as is crumbled feta cheese. You can also alter the proportions of the vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.