Tabbouleh

Tabouli is a healthful and delicious Mediterranean food recipe prepared with cracked wheat, mint, garlic, tomatoes, green onions, olive oil and lemon. An excellent picnic food idea, it tastes great chilled or at room temperature.

• 2 cups cracked wheat (bulgur)

• 2 cups very hot water

• 1 cucumber, chopped

• 2 small tomatoes, chopped

• 1 small onion, minced or 1 bunch fresh onions, (8) sliced

• 1/4 - 1/2 cup fresh chopped mint, to taste

• 1 - 2 cups fresh chopped parsley

• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon pepper

• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste

Soak the cracked wheat in the hot water until the water is absorbed, about 30 minutes. When it's ready, drain any excess water, if necessary, and squeeze dry. Meantime, prepare the vegetables for the salad and mix the dressing ingredients together. Set aside. Stir the prepared bulgur, other salad ingredients, and dressing together in a medium bowl. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Makes about 8 cups.