If you're planning to have an extravagant, out-of-the-ordinary dinner, a Mediterranean dinner is your best bet. With a few key ingredients you can put together a deluxe dinner party, starting with the traditional tabouli, a.k.a tabbouleh, that will make the dining an authentic transatlantic experience.

Tabouli or Tabbouleh: The Star of the Mezze Platter

Historically, tabouli is one of the national dishes of Lebanon, Syria and the surrounding regions, where it reflects the abundance of fresh produce and the skillful use of herbs. Its migration to Mediterranean cuisine has not only increased its popularity, but also enriched the culinary landscape of the region. Nowadays, tabouli is one of the most famous Mediterranean recipes.

Tabouli or tabbouleh is one of the traditional mezze appetizers. The mezze, or mezze platter, typical of eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, consists of small plates served together.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Tabouli

Before the introduction of tomato, the intrinsic elements of traditional tabouli salad were chopped parsley, fresh mint, red onion, a little bit of brown bulgur, lemon juice, olive oil and salt. The authentic Lebanese recipe includes a large amount of flat parsley in proportion to the rest of the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide for the Best Tabouli Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 5 ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 5 red onions, lightly chopped
  • 3 bunches of flat parsley
  • 1 bunch of fresh mint
  • 4 tablespoons bulgur
  • 2 lemons, squeezed
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  • Pour the bulgur into a large bowl of warm water and soak for 15 minutes to soften.
  • Remove the stems from the parsley and finely chop with a knife or scissors. Cut the mint and finely chop in the same way.
  • When the bulgur is soft, drain it and squeeze it well. In a salad bowl add everything, including the tomatoes and onions.
  • Pour the lemon juice and olive oil over the salad. Add salt and pepper. Mix well.

Tabbouleh Serving Suggestions for a Traditional Mediterranean Dinner

  • Pita Bread: A warm and fluffy pita bread is a must in every Mediterranean dinner.
  • Hummus: Another must. The creamy and nutty undertones of hummus complement the freshness of tabouli.
  • Baba Ganoush: For a spicy contrast, include baba ganoush in your spread.
  • Greek Salad: Introduce the final touch with a side of classic greek salad.

Conclusion: Craft Your Own Mediterranean Tabouli

With this guide to preparing your own authentic tabouli, you'll not only embrace a culinary tradition that brought cultures together, you'll invite the delicious tones of the Mediterranean into your home.