Authentic Middle Eastern Tabbouleh Recipe

Introduction:

Tabbouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. This dish is a beautiful combination of parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bulgur, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Follow this step-by-step guide to create an authentic Tabbouleh that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Middle East, Authentic Middle Eastern Tabbouleh Recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 2 cups boiling water
• 3 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, finely chopped
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 2-3 lemons
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Bulgur:

• Place the bulgur wheat in a heatproof bowl.
• Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the bulgur and cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap.
• Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes or until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed the water.
• Fluff the bulgur with a fork to separate the grains.

2. Chopping the Vegetables and Herbs:

• Wash the parsley and mint thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
• Finely chop the parsley and mint leaves, ensuring they are as fine as possible to impart maximum flavor to the Tabbouleh.
• Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions into small, uniform pieces.

3. Mixing the Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions.
• Add the cooked bulgur wheat and mix all the ingredients well.

4. Preparing the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice until well combined.
• Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5. Tossing and Serving:

• Pour the dressing over the mixed ingredients in the large bowl.
• Gently toss the salad until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper, if needed.
• Allow the flavors to meld by refrigerating the Tabbouleh for at least 1-2 hours before serving.
• Serve chilled and garnish with additional mint leaves if desired.

Enjoy your homemade authentic Middle Eastern Tabbouleh! The combination of fresh herbs and tangy dressing will make this a delightful addition to any meal.