Tabbouleh: a traditional Middle Eastern salad

Tabbouleh is a fresh and aromatic salad native to the Levant region of the Middle East, specifically countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Jordan. Its name comes from the Arabic “tabil”, which means to season or season, reflecting its characteristic use of fresh herbs and spices to enhance its flavor.

The traditional tabbouleh recipe consists of a base of finely chopped parsley, which is combined with chopped tomatoes, onion, fresh mint and bulgur (precooked cracked wheat). The dressing is made with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper, and is often seasoned with spices such as cumin or paprika.

At the table it is commonly served as a mezze, which is a series of small dishes shared at the beginning of a meal in Arab culture. It is presented on a large plate and served fresh, at room temperature.

To eat this dish, you can use pita bread or you can eat it directly with a fork. It is a refreshing and tasty salad that is best enjoyed as an accompaniment to main dishes, such as kebabs or shawarma, or as part of a mezze feast.

The history of tabbouleh dates back centuries to the Levant region, where it has been an integral part of diet and culinary culture. Originally, it was made with a much higher proportion of parsley than bulgur, making it a lighter and healthier option.

How to prepare tabbouleh at home

Ingredients:

• 1 large bunch of fresh parsley
• 2-3 medium tomatoes, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup bulgur (cracked wheat), precooked
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Rinse the bulgur in a colander under cold water and let it drain for a few minutes to remove excess starch.
2. Meanwhile, cut the thick stems from the parsley and finely chop the leaves. You should get about 2 cups of chopped parsley.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped parsley, tomatoes, red onion and fresh mint.
4. Add the drained bulgur to the bowl and mix all the ingredients well.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to combine all the ingredients and make sure they are well coated.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on personal preference.
8. Refrigerate the tabbouleh for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend and intensify.
9. Serve fresh tabbouleh as part of a mezze feast or as an accompaniment to Arabic main dishes.

Enjoy your fresh and tasty Tabbouleh!