Tabouli

Tabouli (Tabbouleh) is a traditional Lebanese dish features an abundance of finely chopped parsley and mint, complemented by tender fine bulgur wheat, ripe tomatoes, and a tangy dressing of fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. It's designed to be a refreshing counterpoint to rich, savory dishes like grilled lamb or beef.

A close-up shot of a vibrant, freshly prepared Tabouli salad presented in a clean, white bowl. The salad is intensely green, dominated by the fine, confetti-like texture of chopped flat-leaf parsley and mint. Visible throughout the herbs are small pieces of diced red tomato, a few slivers of green onion, and the tiny, fluffy grains of bulgur wheat. The salad glistens slightly from a dressing of fresh lemon juice and olive oil, suggesting a bright, moist, and refreshing texture.

Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes for chopping & 30 to soak bulgur
Cook Time:
Special Equipment: fine-mesh sieve (for draining tomatoes and bulgur), large mixing bowl, whisk, sharp knife (for fine chopping)

Ingredients

• ¼ cup fine bulgur wheat (Type #1)

• 2 large bunches fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

• ¼ cup mint leaves, finely chopped

• 2 green onions, finely sliced

• 1 large, firm tomato, finely diced and drained

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)

• ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• ¼ tsp kosher salt, or to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Soak the Bulgur: Place the bulgur in a small bowl. Pour ½ cup of boiling water over the bulgur. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes until the water is absorbed and the grain is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.

2. Prep Herbs and Veggies: Ensure all herbs (parsley and mint) are washed, dried, and chopped very finely. Dice the tomatoes finely and let them drain in a sieve to remove excess juice.

3. Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl (the one you'll serve from), whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine: Add the chopped parsley, mint, scallions, diced tomatoes, and the fluffed bulgur to the dressing bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are fully coated.

5. Chill: For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend.