Health freaks will love this Lebanese lentil tabouleh salad recipe
Lebanese lentil tabouleh salad is a refreshing, nutritious dish originating from Lebanese cuisine. It skillfully combines lentils with fresh herbs and vegetables, offering vibrant flavors and numerous health benefits. Serving as a perfect vegetarian and eggless option, this salad is a staple in Middle Eastern diets and has gained widespread popularity for its simplicity and delicious taste. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare this delightful salad, you will need one cup of cooked green lentils, two cups of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, one cup of diced tomatoes, half a cup of finely chopped mint leaves, one small onion finely diced, three tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of two lemons, salt to taste, and a pinch of black pepper.
Preparing the lentils
Rinse the green lentils under cold water initially. Then, cook them in boiling water for roughly 20 to 25 minutes, ensuring they become tender but still maintain their shape. It's crucial to avoid overcooking, as they can turn mushy. After cooking, thoroughly drain any excess water and allow the lentils to cool down completely to room temperature.
Chopping vegetables and herbs
As the lentils cool, seize the opportunity to ready your vegetables and herbs. Begin by finely chopping the flat-leaf parsley and mint leaves, ensuring they are as fine as possible. Proceed to dice the tomatoes and finely chop the onion. Achieving an authentic tabbouleh relies heavily on the fineness of these chops, as it significantly enhances the overall flavor profile when combined.
Mixing ingredients together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the completely cooled lentils with the finely chopped parsley, mint leaves, diced tomatoes and finely chopped onion. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are well integrated and evenly distributed throughout the salad. This careful mixing is essential for achieving the harmonious blend of flavors that is characteristic of a traditional Lebanese tabouleh.
Dressing your salad
Now, dress your salad. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until combined. Drizzle this over the salad, tossing to coat all ingredients with the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste. This Lebanese lentil tabouleh salad is ideal fresh but can be kept in the fridge for two days, perfect for meal prep or as a side dish. Enjoy!
