Authentic Tabbouleh

Parsley is always a main ingredient in tabbouleh,
a Middle Eastern dish that's
delicious served with pita wedges.

Ingredients:
1 cup bulgur wheat (fine-medium grind)
2 cups hot water
2 cups ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 bunch green onions, white and green part, finely chopped
1 cup red onion, peeled and chopped
2 cups cucumber, halved, seeded and diced
3 cups fresh flat leaf parsley, leaves finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 lemons, juiced
1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:
Put the bulgur in a large bowl
and pour in the hot water.
Cover with a dish or plastic wrap
and let stand for about 30 minutes.
Drain in a strainer, pressing with
the back of a wooden spoon to squeeze
out as much water as possible.
In a mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes,
onions, cucumber, parsley, and mint.
Toss the salad well to blend flavors,
season with cumin, salt and pepper.
Add the bulgur; moisten with
the lemon juice and olive oil.
Fold everything together
to incorporate the ingredients.
The flavor will improve if the
tabbouleh sits for a few hours.
Serve at room temperature.