Introduction
Quinoa Tabbouleh is a vibrant and refreshing Mediterraneinas dish that brings together the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the fresh flavors of herbs, vegetables, and lemon juice. This ancient recipe, originating from Levantine cuisine, has been embraced worldwide for its nutritious profile and delightful taste. Perfecting this dish involves balancing the crunchiness of cucumbers and tomatoes with the hearty texture of quinoa and the brightness of lemon.
Tips for this Recipe
To achieve a perfectly blended Tabbouleh, consider rinsing the quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitter saponin coating before cooking it. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for an optimal flavor profile and mix everything gently at the end to keep vegetables crisp.
Why you will love this recipe
This Quinoa Tabbouleh is not just a feast for your taste buds; it’s a celebration of health, history, and diversity in your kitchen. Its rich nutrients from quinoa and vegetables offer a wholesome meal that satisfies both the palate and the body. Plus, its simple ingredients make it an easy dish to prepare for any occasion or gathering.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large English hothouse cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers, cut into 1/4″ pieces
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
2/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
2 scallions, thinly sliced
Adviced Equipments
– KitchenAid Stand Mixer with Bowl Set
– Cuisinart Mini Food Processor (8-Cup)
– OXO Good Grips 6-Piece Stainless Steel Knife Block, Black
– KitchenAid Stand Mixer 5-Quart Artisan Series Pull-Dough Credential Mixer
– Instant Read Digital Food Thermometer by OXO
– Ninja Countertop Blender (12 Cup)
History of the Recipe
Tabbouleh has its roots in the Levantine region, with variations appearing throughout the Middle East. It’s believed to have originated from dishes similar to bulgur and pilaf-like preparations. Over centuries, it evolved into a popular salad that showcases the freshest produce available, highlighting the local ingredients of each region in its iterations.
Fun Facts About this Recipe
Did you know? The Levantine version of Tabbouleh is traditionally served as part of a meze or mezze platter and isn’t typically cooked like the Western-style version we have here. While our Quinoa Tabbouleh adds a twist by incorporating quinoa instead of bulgur, it still captures the essence of Levantine culinary traditions while introducing an ancient South American grain to modern kitchens worldwide.
