Tabbouleh

It’s a staple dish of the national diet and locals probably eat it once a week.

Ingredients

¼cup fine bulgur wheat

1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)

Juice of 2 large lemons, to taste

3 cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (from 3 large bunches)

¼ cup chopped fresh mint

½ pound ripe tomatoes, very finely chopped

1 bunch scallions, finely chopped

Salt, preferably sea salt, to taste

¼cup extra virgin olive oil

1 romaine lettuce heart, leaves separated, washed and dried

Directions

Step 1

Place the bulgur in a bowl, and cover with water by ½ inch. Soak for 20 minutes, until slightly softened. Drain through a cheesecloth-lined strainer, and press the bulgur against the strainer to squeeze out excess water. Transfer to a large bowl, and toss with the garlic, lemon juice, parsley, mint, tomatoes, scallions and salt. Leave at room temperature or in the refrigerator for two to three hours, so that the bulgur can continue to absorb liquid and swell.

Step 2

Add the olive oil, toss together, taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with lettuce leaves.