Tabbouleh is a celebrated dish with roots stretching across the Middle East, often appreciated for its refreshing flavor and nutritious ingredients. This parsley-based salad is particularly popular in Mediterranean cuisine and is known by various names including tabouli. With bulgur wheat, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it suits any summer day perfectly.
Traditionally, this salad has been a staple in many households, from Lebanese to Turkish and Egyptian. The unique combination of finely chopped parsley, bulgur, and other fresh ingredients creates a harmony of flavors that’s both bold and subtle. The mixture of lemon juice and olive oil dressing adds a zesty finish, making it an excellent side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
- 6 bunches of parsley
- 8 medium tomatoes
- 10 tablespoons bulgur
- 5 lemons (juice)
- 3 bunches green onions
- Fresh mint (to taste)
- Olive oil (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Preparation
- Wash and soak 6 bunches of parsley in water and vinegar. Let them dry completely.
- Finely chop the dried parsley once with a sharp knife to avoid blackening.
- Chop 8 medium tomatoes into small pieces, including the juice.
- Rinse 10 tablespoons of bulgur, soak in lemon and tomato juice.
- Chop 3 bunches of green onions.
- Finely chop mint leaves, ensuring not to overchop to prevent blackening.
- Mix tomatoes, green onions, mint, and bulgur in a bowl, stirring well.
- Marinate the mixture for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste, and mix thoroughly.
- Combine with parsley, mixing gently by hand to avoid crushing the ingredients.
- Refrigerate for some time, or serve immediately with decoration.
Did you know?
Tabbouleh, also known as tabouli, has a rich history dating back to ancient times in the Levant region. It’s not just a popular dish in Lebanese cuisine; it’s an integral part of Arabic, Syrian, Moroccan, and Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
One key aspect of an authentic tabbouleh is the prominent vibrant green color of the parsley, symbolizing freshness and health. The salad is also low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a favored choice for those watching their diet. Moreover, bulgur wheat used in tabbouleh is a whole grain that is beneficial for digestion and overall health. Adding olive oil not only enhances the flavor but also introduces healthy fats into the dish.
The preparation process emphasizes the importance of sharp knife skills to preserve the quality and color of the ingredients, particularly the parsley and mint. The finished salad often reflects the cultural emphasis on visually appealing, nutritious, and flavorful meals that are central to Middle Eastern hospitality, making it perfect for any summer day.
