Fattoush

Fattoush is a delightful Levantine salad that is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It consists of toasted or fried pieces of khubz (flatbread) mixed with an assortment of fresh vegetables such as radishes and tomatoes, along with mixed greens.

The name "Fattoush" derives from the Arabic word "fatt" meaning "crush" combined with the suffix "-ūsh" a common addition in Levantine Arabic borrowed from Turkic languages. This salad belongs to a broader category called "fattat" which traditionally uses stale flatbread as a base.

What makes Fattoush special is its versatility. The ingredients can vary with the seasons and can be tailored to individual tastes. Unlike other salads like tabbouleh, where everything is finely chopped, the vegetables and herbs in Fattoush are generally cut into larger pieces. A key ingredient is sumac, which adds a distinctive sour flavor that sets this salad apart.