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Have you ever found yourself in a rut, making the same old salads over and over? I know I have! That’s why I’m so excited to share this Coffee Cardamom Fattoush recipe with you. It's not just a salad; it’s an adventure for your taste buds. I was inspired to create this unique twist on the classic Middle Eastern salad after a trip to a local spice market. The aroma of cardamom and the rich scent of coffee beans sparked an idea – what if I could bring these unexpected flavors to a refreshing, everyday dish? And oh boy, was it worth it!
Fattoush, traditionally a Levantine bread salad, is all about fresh veggies and crispy pita. But what sets this version apart is the daring addition of ground coffee and cardamom to the dressing. Yeah, I know, it sounds a little weird at first, but bear with me! The coffee adds a subtle, earthy undertone that beautifully complements the bright acidity of the lemon juice and the tangy sumac. Meanwhile, the cardamom infuses a warm, aromatic complexity that elevates the entire dish. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! It's like, seriously addictive. One of my friends called it 'the unicorn of salads.'
This Coffee Cardamom Fattoush is perfect as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even a conversation-starting appetizer at your next gathering. It’s also incredibly versatile – feel free to swap out veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. The key is to use the freshest ingredients possible to really let those flavors shine. I like to serve it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. One time, I accidently added too much lemon juice, and you know what? It was still pretty darn good! So, don't sweat the small stuff.
Required Equipments
Large Bowl
Small Bowl
Whisk
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper
Grill or Grill Pan
Coffee Cardamom Fattoush: Global Flavor Robust: Frequently Asked Questions
Coffee Cardamom Fattoush: Global Flavor Robust
Coffee Cardamom Fattoush: A Levantine bread salad with a bold twist! Grilled pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a unique coffee cardamom dressing make this dish unforgettable.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Bread: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the pita bread with olive oil and grill for 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly charred and crispy. Let it cool slightly, then break or cut it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Chop the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell pepper, radishes, and fresh mint. Make sure everything is roughly the same size for a nice, even mix.
Make the Coffee Cardamom Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, ground coffee, ground cardamom, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Maybe a pinch of sugar, depending on how tart your lemons are!
Assemble the Fattoush: Add the grilled pita bread to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to over-dress it; you want the bread to stay crisp as long as possible.
Serve Immediately: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves, if desired. Serve the Coffee Cardamom Fattoush immediately to enjoy the crunchy bread and fresh flavors. It's really at its best right away! Don't let it sit for too long, or the bread get soggy.
📝 Notes
Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, if desired.
Feel free to add other vegetables like romaine lettuce or parsley.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing.