Food from the Homeland

Social Sunday

My mom's sisters were recently in town for a Sisters Weekend, something they haven't done in a very long time (if ever?). With most of our family being in Ohio, we don't get to see them as much as we would like. We do see each other at least once a year, and thanks to social media are really able to stay in touch easily which is good for our super close family. They spent a bit of their crazy weekend with us which was great, but it left me craving more family time. What would give me that taste of family that I was longing for? A literal taste of one of my favorite Lebanese family dishes- Tabbouleh! (Say tah-boo-lee) This dish has actually become very popular in America and is often seen in grocery stores, and I have even heard it referred to as "Mediterranean salsa" because it is commonly used as a dip. For my family and me, though, it will always be a dish that my Sitoo (that's Grandma in Arabic) has made and passed down to each generation. It is so fresh and delicious, and it can be used in so many different ways. Gather up some of these not-so-common ingredients and give it a shot! You'll want to have it on hand from then on out.

Tabbouleh

Ingredients
-4 bunches fresh parsley
-4 roma tomatoes
-1 bunch green onions
-2 tbsp dried mint
-1 tbsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
-1/4 cup lemon juice
-1/2 cup fine bulgur (cracked wheat)

Directions
1. Trim all parsley leaves off of stems. Chop parsley very finely and add to large bowl.
2. Chop tomatoes and add to bowl.
3. Chop green onions and add to bowl.
4. Add dried spices, oil, and lemon juice to bowl.
5. Follow instructions for cooking bulgur on stovetop, and then add to bowl once cooled.
6. Stir all ingredients until mixed, and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

*To speed things up, roughly cut stems up and add parsley to a food processor!
*Bulgur is an excellent source of fiber and protein and is also low in calories and fat!
*Serve with pita bread, crackers, on sandwiches, in eggs, etc.!
*Cut up grilled chicken and add to bowl of tabbouleh for a salad alternative!