Cous-cous tabbouleh

Introduction

History

Tabbouleh is a Levantine vegetarian salad made of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, and bulgur. It is traditionally seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Cous-cous tabbouleh is a modern twist on this classic dish, incorporating cous-cous for added texture and substance.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the cous-cous in boiling water until all the water is absorbed to ensure a fluffy and light texture.

- Rinse the beans to remove excess salt and starch before adding them to the salad.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences, adding more lemon juice or olive oil as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cous-cous tabbouleh as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing salad.

Cooking Techniques

Use a fork to fluff the cous-cous after soaking to prevent clumping.

- Mix the salad gently to avoid crushing the ingredients and maintain their texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any variety of beans or legumes in place of the red kidney beans.

- Substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Cous-cous tabbouleh can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the lemon juice and olive oil just before serving to maintain freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cous-cous tabbouleh with fresh parsley or mint leaves for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair cous-cous tabbouleh with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect summer meal. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables or kebabs.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of cous-cous tabbouleh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or enjoy cold as a refreshing salad.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cous-cous tabbouleh contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

Cous-cous tabbouleh is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the cous-cous, beans, and sweetcorn. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

The olive oil in this recipe provides healthy fats that are important for brain function, hormone production, and overall health. The amount of olive oil used is minimal, adding flavor without significantly increasing the fat content of the dish.

Proteins

The beans in this recipe are a good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Combined with the cous-cous, this dish provides a balanced source of protein for a vegetarian meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Cous-cous tabbouleh is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and peppers, vitamin K from the parsley, and iron from the beans. These nutrients are important for immune function, blood clotting, and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the cous-cous and may contain allergens such as soy in the beans. Be sure to check ingredient labels for allergen information before preparing this dish.

Summary

Cous-cous tabbouleh is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy option for a light and flavorful meal.

Summary

Cous-cous tabbouleh is a delicious and nutritious salad that combines the flavors of tabbouleh with the addition of cous-cous for a hearty and satisfying dish. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this recipe is a healthy option for a light and flavorful meal. Enjoy it as a side dish or on its own for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a warm summer day, and I was at a local farmer's market browsing through the various stalls when I stumbled upon a Middle Eastern food vendor. His stall was filled with all sorts of exotic spices and ingredients, and I couldn't resist stopping to take a closer look.

As I perused his offerings, I noticed a small handwritten sign that read "Cous-cous tabbouleh". Intrigued, I asked the vendor what it was, and he proceeded to tell me all about this traditional Middle Eastern dish. He described it as a refreshing salad made with cous-cous, fresh herbs, vegetables, and a tangy lemon dressing. It sounded absolutely delicious, and I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it.

The vendor, seeing my enthusiasm, offered to teach me the recipe. He explained that he had learned how to make it from his grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. I was touched by his generosity and eagerly accepted his offer.

We spent the next hour or so in his stall, chopping vegetables, boiling water for the cous-cous, and mixing together the herbs and spices for the dressing. The vendor guided me through each step, sharing tips and tricks that had been handed down to him by his grandmother. I listened intently, taking mental notes and committing the recipe to memory.

Once the cous-cous tabbouleh was ready, we sat down at a small table in the corner of the stall and enjoyed a leisurely lunch together. The salad was everything I had hoped for and more – light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. I savored each bite, feeling grateful for the vendor's generosity in sharing his family recipe with me.

As I left the market that day, I knew that cous-cous tabbouleh would become a staple in my own kitchen. I couldn't wait to recreate the dish for my family and friends, sharing the flavors and traditions of the Middle East with them.

Over the years, I have made cous-cous tabbouleh countless times, each batch better than the last. I have experimented with different variations, adding ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and grilled chicken to make the dish my own. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the essence of that first taste at the farmer's market always remains.

I am grateful to the vendor for introducing me to cous-cous tabbouleh and for passing down his family recipe to me. It has become a beloved dish in my household, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to different cultures and traditions.

I often think back to that warm summer day at the farmer's market, where a chance encounter led to a lifelong love affair with cous-cous tabbouleh. I am thankful for the vendor's generosity and for the delicious memories we created together. And as I continue to cook and share this dish with loved ones, I am reminded of the joy and connection that food can bring to our lives.

Categories

| Arabian Recipes | Beef Recipes | Low-calorie Recipes | Sweetcorn Recipes |

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