Tabbouleh, a beloved Lebanese salad known for its vibrant flavors and refreshing taste, is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. This traditional dish, often served as an appetizer or side, boasts a combination of finely chopped parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, mint, and a zesty lemon-based dressing. With countless variations and secrets passed down through generations, finding the most authentic Lebanese tabbouleh recipe can be a culinary adventure. In this article, we embark on a journey to discover the essence of authentic Lebanese tabbouleh, exploring its unique ingredients, preparation, and the cultural significance it holds in Lebanese cuisine.
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LEBANESE TABBOULEH
We think of tabbouleh as a bulgur salad with lots of parsley and mint. But real Lebanese tabbouleh is a lemony herb salad with a little bit of fine bulgur, an edible garden that you can scoop up with romaine lettuce heart leaves or simply eat with a fork.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories easy, quick, salads and dressings, appetizer
Time 30m
Yield 6 appetizer spread servings, 4 salad servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Place the bulgur in a bowl, and cover with water by 1/2 inch. Soak for 20 minutes, until slightly softened. Drain through a cheesecloth-lined strainer, and press the bulgur against the strainer to squeeze out excess water. Transfer to a large bowl, and toss with the garlic, lemon juice, parsley, mint, tomatoes, scallions and salt. Leave at room temperature or in the refrigerator for two to three hours, so that the bulgur can continue to absorb liquid and swell.
- Add the olive oil, toss together, taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with lettuce leaves.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 139, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 13 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 398 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams
AUTHENTIC LEBANESE TABOULI
Steps:
- Prepare the chopped parsley and mint and set aside. In a large bowl, mix Bulgur, chopped tomatoes, chopped onions/scallions with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Add to them the parsley and mint and olive oil and mix, adjusting seasoning by adding more oil and lemon if desired. Serve cold garnished with romaine lettuce.
AUTHENTIC LEBANESE TABBOULEH RECIPE
Steps:
- Rinse all vegetables and let dry on a paper towel, especially the parsley and mint.
- Cut stems off parsley then chop finely. Spread chopped parsley on paper towels and let rest for a few mins in order to get rid of excess moisture.
- Cut stems off mint, and finely chop the leaves. Spread on a paper towel and let dry.
- Finely chop tomatoes into small cubes 1/3in then place in strainer to get rid of the excess juice.
- Finely chop onions, drain then mix with the 7-spices, set aside.
- Finely chop the cucumber
- Soak the bulgur in half of the lemon juice with a bit of salt.
- Only once ready to serve, mix all ingredients together well, drizzle with olive oil and the leftover lemon juice. Add a bit more salt if needed.
- Serve as a side salad along with some lettuce leaves.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 3 Tablespoons, Calories 252 kcal, Carbohydrate 20 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 19 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 332 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 6 g, UnsaturatedFat 15 g
LEBANESE TABBOULEH
Categories Tomato Side No-Cook Fourth of July Super Bowl Quick & Easy Ramadan Lemon Mint Cucumber Summer Family Reunion Engagement Party Parsley Bulgur Gourmet Sugar Conscious Vegan Vegetarian Pescatarian Dairy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 4 to 6 side-dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Stir together bulgur and 1 tablespoon oil in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over, then cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let stand 15 minutes. Drain in a sieve, pressing on bulgur to remove any excess liquid.
- Transfer bulgur to a bowl and toss with remaining ingredients, including 2 tablespoons oil, until combined well.
- These long, narrow cucumbers are often marketed as "European" and are usually sold in plastic wrap to protect their thin, delicate, unwaxed skin.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: Fresh herbs, vegetables, and lemon juice are essential for making the best tabbouleh. Make sure to use ripe tomatoes and cucumbers, and chop them into small, even pieces.
- Soak the bulgur wheat in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking: This will help to soften the bulgur wheat and make it more digestible. If you don't have time to soak the bulgur wheat, you can also cook it in boiling water for about 10 minutes, or until it is tender.
- Season the tabbouleh to taste: Tabbouleh should be well-seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. You can also add other spices, such as cumin or coriander, to taste.
- Let the tabbouleh rest for at least 30 minutes before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and develop. You can also chill the tabbouleh for up to 2 days before serving.
- Serve tabbouleh as a side dish or appetizer: Tabbouleh is a versatile dish that can be served with grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. It can also be served as a dip with pita bread or crackers.
Conclusion:
Tabbouleh is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With its bright flavors and healthy ingredients, tabbouleh is a great way to add some zest to your next meal.
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