Fattoush

Based on a recipe from Soheila Kimberley’s cookbook, Taste of the Middle East. This is a simple peasant salad popular all over Syria and the Lebanon. Although the recipe calls for only 2 tablespoon of each herb, you can add as much as you like based on taste and availability. You may also crush the toasted crisp pita bread in your hand and sprinkle it atop the salad before serving. I find this salad very refreshing.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  yellow bell peppers or 1  red bell pepper, discard seeds and pith and slice
• 1  large cucumber, coarsely chopped
• 4 -5  tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 1  bunch scallion, trimmed and sliced
• 2  tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2  tablespoons of fresh mint, finely chopped
• 2  tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, crushed
• 5  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  lemons, juice of
•  salt
•  fresh ground black pepper
• 2  pita breads

Directions

1. Combine bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, scallions, parsley, mint and cilantro together in large salad bowl.
2. Dressing: blend garlic with olive oil and lemon juice, season to taste with salt and black pepper. Pour over salad and toss lightly to mix.
3. Toast pita bread in a toaster or under a hot broiler until crisp and serve with the salad.