The differences in tabbouleh recipes and ingredients vary as widely as our many different versions of cobbler here in the U.S. My mother makes her tabbouleh with couscous, a pasta-like pearl made from refined Semolina flour, while our Lebanese friends made theirs with cracked Bulgur wheat, a whole grain, and far more herbs than starches. However you come at this fabulous dish, make sure to use fresh lemon juice, plenty of fresh herbs and make a double batch- it’s hearty enough to be served as a main dish as it is an accompaniment to a variety of small dishes, meze-style.
Ingredients
Lebanese Tabbouleh Recipe
1/4cupFine or medium bulgur wheat
2Small garlic clovesminced
2Large lemonsjuiced
2bunches Flat-leafed parsleychopped
1bunch Fresh mint
2Medium ripe tomatoesvery finely diced
6Scallionsfinely chopped
2/3cupExtra virgin olive oil
Instructions
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 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 about an hour, so bulgur can absorb liquid and swell. Add the olive oil, toss together, taste and adjust seasonings.