Tabouli Salad with Couscous Recipe: A Scrumptious Middle Eastern Delight
Guide or Summary：IngredientsInstructionsIngredients- 1 cup bulgur wheat (also known as couscous)- 2 cups water- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped- 1/2 c……
Guide or Summary：
Ingredients
- 1 cup bulgur wheat (also known as couscous)
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Begin by rinsing the bulgur wheat under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes any excess starch and prevents the couscous from becoming mushy.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed bulgur wheat and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Allow the bulgur wheat to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the couscous is tender.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb any remaining water and become even more fluffy.
4. While the couscous is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the parsley and mint, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bulgur wheat, chopped parsley, chopped mint, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, and salt and pepper to taste. Create a flavorful dressing that will enhance the flavors of the salad.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the couscous to become mushy.
8. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If the salad is too tart, add a bit more olive oil. If it's too oily, add a splash of lemon juice.
9. Serve the tabouli salad with couscous immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
This recipe for tabouli salad with couscous is a delightful Middle Eastern dish that combines the nuttiness of bulgur wheat with the freshness of parsley, mint, and cherry tomatoes. The addition of cumin and coriander adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the freshness of the salad.
To prepare this dish, start by rinsing the bulgur wheat to remove any excess starch. Then, cook the couscous in water until it's tender and fluffy. While the couscous is cooking, chop the parsley, mint, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bulgur wheat with the chopped vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, coriander, and seasoning to create a flavorful dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve the tabouli salad with couscous immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side salad. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of this Middle Eastern classic!