Lebanese Tabouli Food

LEBANESE TABBOULEH SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice until well combined. Then add the bulgur to the dressing and let it soak until it is soft and plumped, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables by washing, drying thoroughly and finely chopping them. When preparing the tomatoes, it helps to use a colander to drain the excess juice, which you can use in another recipe at a later time.
• Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Add the optional mint. Season with salt and pepper. Then pour the bulgur and dressing mixture over. Gently toss to combine.
• Serve at room temperature or cold, with lettuce if desired.

LEBANESE STYLE TABOULI

Steps:

• Prepare the bulgur by soaking it for 2-3 hours in cold water.
• When it reaches the "al dente" stage, drain it thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer. While preparing the other ingredients, let the damp wheat sit for another hour, stirring and tossing it from time to time, to fluff it and dry it.
• Add the lemon juice, garlic, oil, mint and seasonings and mix thoroughly.
• Add the chopped parsley and onions and toss everything together.
• Just before serving, add the chopped tomatoes. Correct the seasonings.

LEBANESE TABBOULEH

Steps:

• Stir together bulgur and 1 tablespoon oil in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over, then cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let stand 15 minutes. Drain in a sieve, pressing on bulgur to remove any excess liquid.
• Transfer bulgur to a bowl and toss with remaining ingredients, including 2 tablespoons oil, until combined well.
• These long, narrow cucumbers are often marketed as "European" and are usually sold in plastic wrap to protect their thin, delicate, unwaxed skin.

LEBANESE TABBOULEH

Steps:

• 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 the 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 two to three hours, so that the bulgur can continue to absorb liquid and swell.
• Add the olive oil, toss together, taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with lettuce leaves.

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.