Refreshing Lebanese Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a refreshing and flavorful Lebanese salad made with bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and onions. It is a healthy and delicious side dish or appetizer that is perfect for summer gatherings.
Tabbouleh is believed to have originated in the mountains of Lebanon, where it was traditionally made with cracked wheat, fresh herbs, and vegetables. The dish was often served as a mezze, or appetizer, and was a way to use up leftover bread. Over time, tabbouleh spread to other parts of the Middle East and North Africa, and it is now a popular dish in many countries around the world.
There are many different variations of tabbouleh, but the basic ingredients remain the same. Bulgur wheat is the main ingredient, and it is cooked in boiling water until it is tender. Fresh herbs, such as parsley, mint, and chives, are added to the bulgur wheat, along with tomatoes, onions, and sometimes cucumbers. The salad is dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh mint
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh onion
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Rinse bulgur wheat in a fine-mesh sieve.
- Combine bulgur wheat and boiling water in a bowl and let stand for 15 minutes or until bulgur wheat is tender.
- Fluff bulgur wheat with a fork and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add parsley, mint, tomatoes, onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to the bulgur wheat and toss to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Why It Works
- Bulgur wheat is a good source of fiber and protein, and it is a relatively low-calorie grain.
- Fresh herbs add a bright and flavorful taste to the salad.
- Tomatoes and onions add sweetness and crunch to the salad.
- Olive oil and lemon juice add a tangy and flavorful dressing to the salad.