Toasted Pita Bread with Vegetables and Herbs (Fattoush)

Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, diced
• salt
• 2 7-inch pita breads
• 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small green pepper, diced
• 6 scallions, or 2 small Walla Walla onions, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped parsley
• 2 T. chopped cilantro
• 1 T. finely chopped mint
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• juice of one large lemon
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped

Preparation

Put the cucumber in a colander, toss with 1 tsp. salt, drain. Preheat oven to 350. Open breads and bake on a sheet pan until crisp and light brown, about 10 minutes. Break into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Press excess water out of cucumbers, rinse quickly and blot dry. Put them in a bowl with the rest of vegetables and herbs.

In a screw-top jar, shake together the oil, lemon juice, garlic, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Pour over salad and toss well. Add the bread, toss again, and serve.

Source: Adapted from Madison’s Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone

From: In the Bag: July 27-29, 2004