Tabouli, also spelled as tabbouleh or tabouleh, is a popular Middle Eastern salad that is typically made with finely chopped fresh parsley, tomatoes, mint, onions, and soaked bulgur wheat. It is known for its refreshing and vibrant flavors.
Tabouli
Servings
4
servingsPrep time
20
minutesCooking timeminutes
Tabouli is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is widely enjoyed throughout the region and beyond.
Ingredients
1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (flat-leaf or Italian parsley is best)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves
2 medium tomatoes, finely diced
1/2 cup fine bulgur wheat
1/2 cup boiling water
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
- Place the bulgur wheat in a heatproof bowl.
- Pour the boiling water over the bulgur.
- Cover the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes, or until the bulgur is soft and has absorbed the water.
- Once the bulgur is ready, fluff it with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
- While the bulgur is cooling, finely chop the fresh parsley and mint leaves.
- Dice the tomatoes and finely chop the red onion.
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the chopped red onion in cold water for a few minutes, then drain it before adding it to the salad.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add the cooled bulgur wheat and mix everything together.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
- Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the tabouli salad mixture.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well coated with the dressing.
- Refrigerate the tabouli for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve the tabouli as a side dish, appetizer, or as a light and refreshing main dish.
- You can garnish it with extra mint leaves or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
