Tabouleh

Description
Tabouleh in the middle east has much more Parsley than bulgur wheat, unlike versions in the west. I make it without the optional olive oil and garlic, but they are usually used. You can add more or less ingredients to suit your taste. Takes only 30 minutes to prepare and serves 8 people. Parsley in excess can make the dish quite punjant and unpleasant. You should be able to see

the bulgur wheat and all of the ingredients without smothering them with parsley.

Ingredients

 * 4 cups finely minced Parsley leaves, no stems, (1 medium bunch)
 * 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes (2 medium tomatoes)
 * 1/4 of red onion, finely minced.
 * 1 1/2 cups bulgur cracked wheat, soaked and drained.
 * 1 medium cucumber diced in small cubes
 * 1 small green chile, (serrano or jalapeno), seeds removed and finely minced (optional)
 * 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
 * 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
 * 1/2 clove garlic, finely minced (optional)
 * 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
 * 1/2 teaspoon pepper
 * 1 Head of Romaine Lettuce, leaves separated, washed and trimmed 1" at both ends.

Directions

 * 1) Parsley, green chile and onions must be finely minced.
 * 2) Combine the Parsley, tomatoes, onions, cucumber and green chile
 * 3) Soak the bulgur cracked wheat in water for about two hours, drain and remove as much water as possible, and
 * 4) add to the Parsley mixture.
 * 5) Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper; mix well.
 * 6) Add the lemon mixture to the salad, mix and refrigerate till serving.
 * 7) Place romaine lettuce leaves open face up on a platter, spoon 2 or 3 tablespoons of wheat mixture on each leaf
 * 8) and eat by holding the entire lettuce leaf by the small end, making a boat with the lettuce leaf to hold the wheat mixture
 * 9) in the middle.
 * 10) Tabouleh should be eaten within two days.

Other Links
1.    A perfect accompaniement to this salad dish is the Akras Kibbi Maklieh (Fried Kibbi Balls), served with a Creamy Cucumber Dressing, or a Hess Cucumber Salad.