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The dish is originally from the Levantine region of the Middle East, which includes Lebanon and Syria, but has spread throughout the Middle East region as a popular mezedhe (meze dishes.) The recipe is very simple, but versatile as you can omit or add various ingredients.

Fattoush Recipe
Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
2 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1 large or 2 small cucumbers, small dice
2 cups of fresh tomatoes, quartered in bite-size pieces
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
1 green pepper, diced
3 scallions, finely sliced
1 teaspoon sumac
2 pieces of pita bread toasted until golden brown, broken into pieces the size of a quarter

Optional Ingredients:
Feta cheese
Carrot
Red pepper
Black olive
Pomegranate Arils
Grilled Eggplant Chunks

Preparation:
In a large bowl, whisk together the first four ingredients. Add everything else and toss well. This keeps very well in the fridge and can be made ahead. Serve as a side salad, a meze plate accompaniment, or as a filling in a pita sandwich with some grilled vegetables and roast chicken or lamb. Delicious!

Related:
Recipe: Pumpernickel, Watercress and Mushroom Bread Salad
Look! Roast Chicken and Zuni Bread Salad
Recipe: Sumac-Dusted Oven Fries with Garlic Spread
Ingredient Spotlight: Sumac
Recipe: Easy Homemade Pita Bread
Recipe: D.I.Y. Baba Ghanoush
Word of Mouth: Labneh

(Image: Kathryn Hill)