Dishes You Should Know How to Make: Tabouli

TABOULI SALAD

While perfectly good tabouli can be prepared from a box mix, fresh is always best. And quite different in texture and flavor. Make a big batch and add chopped tomatoes or cucumbers just before serving if desired. Cafe Drake regards tabouli as a rice substitute for all Middle Eastern dishes, and above we used the wheat salad as a flavorful base for broiled cheese and vegetable kabobs, sided by cumin-laced yogurt.

2 cups cracked wheat (bulghur) /2 cups very hot water /1 bunch green onions, sliced / 1/2 cup fresh chopped mint /2 cups fresh chopped parsley / Dressing:1/2 cup fresh lemon juice / 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil / 1 tablespoon pepper /2 teaspoons salt, or to taste

1. Soak the cracked wheat in the hot water until the water is absorbed, about 30 minutes.


2. Drain any excess water, if necessary, and squeeze dry.


3. Combine the salad ingredients, including wheat, in a medium bowl.


4. Mix the dressing ingredients together and stir into the salad mixture.


5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.