Israeli Couscous Taboule Salad Food

BEST TABBOULEH

Steps:

• Cook or soak the bulgur until tender according to package directions. Drain off any excess water, and set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, combine the diced cucumber and tomato in a medium bowl with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Stir, and let the mixture rest for at least 10 minutes, or until you're ready to mix the salad.
• To prepare the parsley, cut off the thick stems. Then, finely chop the parsley and remaining stems-you can do this by hand, but it's much easier in a food processor with the standard "S" blade. Process 1 bunch at a time (it should yield about 1 cup chopped), transferring the chopped parsley to a large serving bowl before proceeding with the next.
• Add the cooled bulgur, chopped fresh mint (if using) and green onion to the bowl of parsley. Strain off and discard the cucumber and tomato juice that has accumulated in the bottom of the bowl (this ensures that your tabbouleh isn't too watery). Add the strained cucumber and tomato to the bowl.
• In a small measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, garlic, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour it into the salad and stir to combine. Taste, and adjust if necessary-add another tablespoon of lemon juice for zing, or salt for more overall flavor.
• If you have the time, let the salad rest for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle. Otherwise, you can serve it immediately or chill it for later. Tabbouleh will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS TABOULI

Steps:

• Bring a medium-size saucepan of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the couscous and cook until al dente, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the couscous and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and zest with the olive oil to make a vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• In a large serving bowl, mix together the couscous, parsley, cilantro, mint, tomatoes, and scallions. Toss with the vinaigrette and season to taste. Allow it to sit for at least a half hour so the flavors can marry.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD WITH SMOKED PAPRIKA

Steps:

• For the dressing: Whisk the oil, vinegar, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
• For the couscous: Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. Cook the couscous, stirring frequently, until golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water and the salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the couscous is just tender and the liquid is absorbed, 9 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Mix together the spinach, tomatoes, cheese, peppers, parsley, almonds and mint in a large bowl. Add the couscous and the dressing. Toss until all the ingredients are coated. Transfer to a large serving bowl and serve.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD, TABBOULEH-STYLE

Steps:

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the couscous and stir until it turns a deep golden brown and smells toasted.
• Add 2 3/4 cups of water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until all the water has been absorbed, 10 to 14 minutes. Let cool.
• Stir the remaining olive oil into the couscous. Add the parsley and mint, garlic, onion, tomatoes and the finely grated zest of one lemon. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the juice of both lemons, or to taste.