Fattoush

Fattoush

1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons sumac powder (optional)
salt to taste

2 thin whole wheat pita, cut into 1" squares

1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
1 medium cucumber, diced
2 large tomatoes, diced
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup chopped purslane (optional)
1/2 package (5 oz) arugula

Mix water and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until thickened.  Remove from heat and mix in lemon juice, garlic, sumac (if using), and salt.  Set aside.

Preheat oven on low broil.  Place pita squares on a baking sheet and bake under broiler for a few minutes watching that the pita does not burn.  Remove when crispy.

In a large bowl toss together lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions, parsley, mint, bell pepper, purslane (if using), and arugula.  Toss with dressing.  Garnish with pita squares (can be left on the side so they don't turn soggy).