Tabbouleh – fresh, zesty and filling are three words to perfectly describe this Lebanese salad.
History of tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is an Arabic salad made of finely chopped parsley, tomato, onion, mint, bulgur and seasoned with a lemon-olive oil mix. Originally, tabbouleh came from the mountains of Lebanon and Syria and was created in the Middle Ages. At first, the dish was ridiculed for its lack of meat, as vegetarian dishes weren’t so popular back then. But when people started eating it, they were amazed by the taste and the health benefits, that it quickly became a staple part of their diets. These days, it is still a staple dish for people around the world and is a main part of Lebanese mezze. In 2009, the Guinness World Records recorded the world’s largest bowl of tabbouleh weighing 4,324 kilograms and made by a team of 350 people!
How tabbouleh is made
One of the most important factors of making tabbouleh is cutting the parsley extra fine. Parsley works well with the lemon in the dressing, as it soaks in the citrus, often tasting even better the next day. The bulgur is soaked in water for around 30 minutes before making the salad. The vegetables – parsley, tomato, onion, and mint are chopped finely and the tomato is then placed into a colander to drain the excess juice. The ingredients are then all combined in a bowl and drizzled with a splash of lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Tabbouleh is best served cold, so pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before eating it – yum!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzMXiEOhqFe/
How to eat tabbouleh
Tabbouleh can be served as a starter, a side or as part of a mezze. If you are going to serve it as a side, it is best eaten with kebabs or shawarma, as it complements the meat and mixes up the balance between meat and vegetables. If it is included as part of a mezze, it goes nicely with hummus, flatbread, olives, and yoghurt. Or you can also simply eat it as a salad on its own – just increase the serving!
Where to find tabbouleh in Singapore
There are lots of restaurants and cafes in Singapore that serve fresh tabbouleh. Check out Deli Moroccan Turkish & Middle Eastern Cuisine, El Halal Restaurant, and Tabbouleh Lebanese Café and Restaurant. They all serve tabbouleh at a moderate price and are rated highly on foodpanda. Discover Tabbouleh and more of the Middle Eastern cuisine here on foodpanda!
