Tabouli, also known as tabbouleh, is a popular Middle Eastern salad made with fresh herbs, tomatoes, green onions and bulgur wheat. It’s a refreshing and healthy dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to a main meal. The combination of parsley, mint, and tangy lemon dressing makes for a flavourful and aromatic salad that’s bursting with texture and flavour. In this recipe, I show you how to make a classic tabouli salad that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Where did Tabouli originate?
Tabouli, also known as tabbouleh, is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that is believed to have originated in the Levant region, specifically Lebanon and Syria. The dish is typically made with bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, and a dressing of lemon juice and olive oil. It is a popular dish in many countries across the Middle East and Mediterranean, and has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well. The origins of tabouli can be traced back to ancient times when wheat was a staple food in the region and parsley was used for its medicinal properties. Today, tabouli is enjoyed as a healthy and refreshing dish that is perfect for hot summer days.
what are the health benefits of tabouli?
Tabouli is a nutritious dish that is packed with several health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of eating tabouli:
Rich in Nutrients: Tabouli is a great source of nutrients such as fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals such as potassium and iron.
Low in Calories: Tabouli is a low-calorie dish, making it an ideal choice for people who are watching their calorie intake.
Anti-inflammatory: The ingredients in tabouli, such as parsley and olive oil, have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Antioxidant-rich: Tabouli contains several ingredients, including parsley and tomatoes, that are rich in antioxidants. These compounds help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Heart-Healthy: The ingredients in tabouli, such as bulgur wheat and olive oil, are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
Overall, tabouli is a healthy and delicious dish that can provide several health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
What pairs well with tabouli?
Tabouli is a versatile dish that pairs well with many different foods. Here are some of the foods that go well with tabouli:
Grilled Meats: Tabouli is often served as a side dish with grilled meats, such as chicken, lamb, or beef. The fresh and zesty flavours of tabouli can help balance the richness of the meat.
Falafel: Tabouli is a popular accompaniment to falafel, a vegetarian dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. The combination of tabouli and falafel provides a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Hummus and Pita Chips: Tabouli can be served as a dip with hummus and pita bread. The combination of the three dishes provides a complete and satisfying meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Tabouli can be paired with roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers. The freshness of the tabouli can help balance the richness of the roasted vegetables.
Mediterranean Dips: Tabouli can be served with other Mediterranean dips, such as baba ghanoush, tzatziki, or muhammara. Combining different dips and flavours can create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Overall, tabouli is a versatile dish that can be paired with many different foods, making it a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup bulgur wheat
- 2 cups chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint or 1 tbsp. dried mint (rubbed and crushed)
- 4 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Rinse the bulgur wheat and drain well. Place it in a bowl and pour boiling water over it. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 30 minutes until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed all the water.
While the bulgur is soaking, chop the parsley, mint, tomatoes, and green onions and add them to a large mixing bowl.
Once the bulgur is ready, drain any excess water and add it to the mixing bowl with the herbs and vegetables.
Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the tabouli and toss gently to combine.
Season the tabouli with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
Cover the tabouli and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
Before serving, give the tabouli a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Enjoy your homemade fresh tabouli without cucumbers as a side dish or a light and healthy main meal!
Let's indulge in this fresh mediterranean dish: Tabouli!
In conclusion, Mediterranean cuisine is known for its fresh, healthy, and flavorful dishes, and tabouli is a shining example of this. With its blend of wholesome ingredients such as bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, and vegetables, tabouli is a delicious and nutritious dish that is enjoyed across the Mediterranean and around the world. Whether as a side dish or a main course, tabouli is a versatile dish that can be paired with a wide variety of foods, making it a great addition to any meal. So why not try making your own homemade tabouli today and discover the delights of Mediterranean cuisine for yourself!
Fresh Tabouli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup bulgur wheat
- 2 cups chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint or 1 tbsp. dried mint rubbed and crushed
- 4 medium tomatoes diced
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions scallions
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the bulgur wheat and drain well. Place it in a bowl and pour boiling water over it. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 30 minutes until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed all the water.
- While the bulgur is soaking, chop the parsley, mint, tomatoes, and green onions and add them to a large mixing bowl.
- Once the bulgur is ready, drain any excess water and add it to the mixing bowl with the herbs and vegetables.
- Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the tabouli and toss gently to combine.
- Season the tabouli with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
- Cover the tabouli and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to blend.
- Before serving, give the tabouli a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.