Authentic Lebanese Fattoush

Fattoush is a Lebanese salad, good for hot weather. This recipe uses two unusual ingredients: sumac and purslane. Sumac, usually sold ground, is ground red berries and used in Middle Eastern, particularly Lebanese, cooking. Purslane is succulent with a lemony flavor, and makes a nice salad green. I find them at farmer's markets.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 235 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup water
• ⅓ cup lemon juice
• salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 2 teaspoons sumac powder
• 1 cup chopped purslane
• ½ (5 ounce) package arugula
• 4 pita rounds, toasted and torn into pieces

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix the water and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until thickened. Remove from heat, and mix in lemon juice, garlic, sumac, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2

In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions, parsley, mint, bell pepper, purslane, and arugula. Toss with the dressing, and serve with pita.