Posted by Tabbouleh is a light, refreshing salad that originated in Middle-eastern region. It is vegetarian; however, I cook the grains in chicken stock once a while. My love story with Tabbouleh is an interesting one. Initially, I ignored it until destiny played its part. I was new to the UAE and wanted to explore the local cuisine.
On one of the weekend, we decided to meet a couple of our friends in a restaurant that served local food. Our friends (though Indians) were born and brought up here in the UAE. They knew a little more about the culture and cuisine.
As I said before Tabbouleh was one dish I was a little apprehensive about trying. It came along as a side dish. When our food was served, my first instinct was to ignore the Tabbouleh and concentrate on the mains. Our friends insisted that I give it a try. I am so glad I did because I fell in love. There can be numerous combination of the salad, and each one of them is excellent.
Just remember to include
- one kind of grain or combined (at least) which could be: burghul, bulgur wheat, quinoa, couscous
- Herbs: parsley, mint, coriander, dill
- Fresh vegetable: cucumber, tomatoes, onions
- Some sweetness: pomegranate arils
- Nuts for the crunch
- chickpeas
- The dressing is a lemon and olive oil-based vinaigrette.
Recipe of Tabbouleh
Preparation time: 15 mins
Serves 1-2
Cooking time: 15 – 20 minutes
Ingredients
bulgur wheat and quinoa 90-100 gms
tomato 1
Parsley ½ cup
Mint ½ cup
Olives 2 tbsp (sliced)
Pomegranate seeds 2 tbsp
Dressing
Juice of one lime
Olive oil 3 tbsp
Garlic 3 to 4
Salt and pepper
Method
- Cook the bulgur wheat and quinoa in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock.
- Once it’s cooked cover and let it fluff up for 10 to 15 minutes. The weight almost becomes double. (You can also just follow the instructions on the packet.)
- In the meantime, whisk together all the ingredients in the dressing and keep it aside.
- Chop the tomato, onion, mint, and parsley. Once the quinoa is at room temperature.
- Add all the other ingredients along with the dressing. Mix well till combined.
- Add slivered almonds if you like.
Do make this light salad. I add some chili flakes in the dressing for some heat which is completely optional.
Magic Ingredient 