Tabouleh salad

Recipe: Tabouleh Salad

Tabouleh Salad is a classic dish of Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its refreshing taste and aroma. It is made from fresh green herbs, tomatoes, couscous, and spices, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. This salad is perfect as a side dish for meat or fish, but can also be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of
  couscous

  Couscous is a wheat product similar to small grains that is cooked quickly and easily. It is used in cooking, especially in North African dishes such as tagines and salads, and can be served as a side dish or main course.

• 1 cup of hot water
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 large bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of fresh mint, finely chopped
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup of extra virgin
  olive oil

  Extra virgin olive oil is high-quality oil obtained from the first cold pressing of olives. It has low acidity and intense fruity flavor, as well as retains more nutrients compared to other types of olive oil.

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps

1. In a large bowl, place the couscous and pour hot water over it. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the couscous absorbs the water and becomes soft.
2. Fluff the couscous with a fork to remove any clumps.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, fresh parsley, and mint.
4. In a small bowl, combine the juice of 2 lemons with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
6. Place the Tabouleh salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the salad cool.

Tips

• Choose high-quality couscous for the best results.
• If the couscous has absorbed water, excess moisture can be drained using a sieve.
• Opt for ripe and juicy tomatoes for the salad.
• Mint adds a fresh aroma to the salad, so do not hesitate to use it.
• Lemon juice adds acidity and a refreshing taste to the salad.
• Olive oil can be replaced with garlic-infused olive oil for a richer flavor.
• Serve Tabouleh salad as a side dish to grilled dishes or as a standalone meal.
• Give the salad a good mix before serving.
• You can add some nuts or pomegranate to the salad for variety in texture and taste.
• Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving to cool it down.

Common Mistakes:

• Using too little couscous: Make sure to use enough couscous to make the salad hearty.
• Over-salting: Be careful with salt, as it can intensify during the cooking process.
• Excessive lemon juice: Do not overload the salad with lemon juice to avoid excessive acidity.
• Not draining the couscous: If the couscous is not drained of excess moisture, the salad may turn out watery.
• Using dried mint: Fresh mint gives the salad a special aroma and taste, so it's best to use it.

Fun Fact:

Tabouleh Salad is one of the most popular dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often served in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and other countries in the region. This salad is known for its lightness and healthy ingredients, making it a popular choice for those who care about their health.

Tabouleh Salad is a wonderful way to enjoy the aroma and taste of Middle Eastern cuisine right at home. This light and refreshing salad is perfect as a side dish for meat or fish, and fits perfectly into the diet of vegetarians and vegans. Try this classic Tabouleh recipe and delight your loved ones with a bright and flavorful dish. Enjoy the flavors of the East!