This lentil tabbouleh is a vibrant, nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients. Throw in some chewy, nutty tabbouleh and you have a salad that's satisfying enough to serve as a main course, but simple enough to make for a pinic or BBQ.
1cupgreen or brown lentilscanned, pre-cooked or dried
2cupswater(used if you are cooking dried lentils)
1cupbulgur wheat
1 ½cups water
2large tomatoesdiced (or 2 cups of chrry tomatoes, cut in half)
1English cucumberdiced
1cup fresh parsleyfinely chopped
½cupfresh mint leavesfinely chopped
4green onionsthinly sliced
¼cupextra-virgin olive oil
3tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
If you are using dried lentils, rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. In a saucepan, combine the lentils and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool. If you are using canned lentils, drain them and rinse them under cold water. Set aside to cool.
Next, add the bulgur wheat to a saucepan along with 1½ cups of water. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and simmer for 12 minutes, or until the bulgur wheat has absorbed all the water and is tender. Remove from the heat and allow the pan to rest with the lid on for a further 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, mint, and green onions.
Once the lentils and bulgur wheat have cooled down, add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the lentil and vegetable mixture. Toss well to combine and make sure everything is coated with the dressing.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lemon juice, olive oil, or salt and pepper according to your preference.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the tabbouleh a good stir. You can garnish it with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Storage:Lentil tabbouleh can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It's best to consume it within 2-3 days to maintain freshness and quality. Make sure to cover the tabbouleh tightly to prevent it from drying out.If you prefer to store the lentil tabbouleh with the dressing, mix it in thoroughly before refrigerating. However, if you plan to store the tabbouleh for an extended period or want to keep it fresher, it's better to store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving. This will help maintain the texture and prevent the ingredients from becoming too soggy.