my FAX's lebanese salad (salata)

mince garlic and smash against sides of large salad bowl with a spoon-this makes the garlic weep (and no, not because it is in pain!)....a ceramic mixing bowl is what works for me. cut peeled cucumber over bowl into bite size pieces- you want all of the juices for everything to go into the bowl. sprinkle with a pinch of salt- this makes the cucumber weep. cut green onions into small pieces, add to bowl. add tomatoes cut into small pieces, and their juice from the cutting board. cut green bell pepper into small pieces, add to bowl. add lemon juice. rub dried mint in you fingers to release flavor; add to bowl. add some olive oil, just a drizzle or two. feel free to add some black pepper. at this point i let this mixture sit in the fridge for a while...about 30 minutes. it lets the flavors really soak into each other. you can skip this part though, its still really yummy if you don't do this. finally rip or cut up lettuce, mix well with other ingredients. add salt or pepper as needed. i swear by this salad...it is super yummy and addictive.
enjoy!!!

my ex lebanese in laws.....amazing cooks!!

depends how hungry you are!

30

try it try it try it try it!!!!!!!

1 large clove garlic (or 2 if you'd like)

1 cucumber

1 bunch of green onions

about 2 tablespoons dried mint

olive oil

3-4 roma tomatoes(Or any other juicy variety)

1 large green bell pepper, de-seeded

juice of 2-3 lemons...really juice 'em! you need as much as you can get

1 head of romaine lettuce

black pepper

salt