Fattoush as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Fattoush is absolutely in that category. The nutty and sesame-forward quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. za'atar does work that no substitute can replicate.

the cuisine shares roots with the broader Levantine tradition. There's something about the a family Sunday lunch context that reinforces the comfort effect. strong cardamom coffee alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.