Middle Eastern Bean Tabbouleh 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.

TABBOULEH

Steps:

• Parsley, tomatoes and onions must be finely minced.
• Combine the parsley, tomatoes, and onions.
• Prepare the bulgur as specified on the package; cool completely and add to the parsley mixture.
• Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper; mix well.
• Add the lemon mixture to the salad, mix and refrigerate till serving.
• Tabbouleh should be eaten within two days.

TABOULEH

Steps:

• Prepare bulgur according to package directions; cool. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. If desired, chill before serving.

MIDDLE EASTERN BEAN TABBOULEH

Steps:

• Combine beans, tomatoes, green pepper and parsley in mixing bowl.
• In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice with salt and cayenne. Mix in oil. Pour over bean mixture; toss well. Mix in mint and cilantro, if using. Let it sit 20 minutes so flavors meld together. This will keep in the fridge 24 hours, tightly covered. Enjoy!

TABBOULEH - MIDDLE EASTERN SALAD

Steps:

• Soak couscous in lemon juice until centre of grain is soft, should at least double in quantity. Should be enough lemon juice to just coat each grain.
• Add onion and salt and pepper and allow to stand for few minutes, minimum.
• Add rest of ingredients and mix well, best if served at room temp and left for a few hours.
• Great next day but herbs will look a bit sad!
• Great served with rich meats or any rich dish that needs the zap of the lemon to refresh the palate.

MIDDLE EASTERN WHITE BEANS

Steps:

• In a slow cooker combine the beans, tomato paste, pimento sauce, garlic, onions, cumin, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix until the beans are coated. Pour in beef broth, and top off with enough water to completely cover the beans.
• Cover, and cook on High for 6 hours, or until the beans are tender and the liquid is thickened. It should not be soupy.

MIDDLE EASTERN BEAN SALAD WITH PARSLEY AND LEMON (BALELA)

Steps:

• Pour chick peas and black beans one at a time into colander placed in sink, rinse well until no more foam appears and let drain.Blot dry if they seem too wet.
• While beans are draining, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and let the flavors blend.
• Mix the salad ingredients together and let it marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
• Chop green onions, tomatoes and parsly and add to bowl. Combine this with the beans.
• Whisk dressing ingredients and gently add dressing to bean mixture.
• Add salt and pepper.