Spin on a Mediterranean Classic

When I was in Lebanon I took a fantastic cooking class.  I gained so much insight into the Lebanese home kitchen.  The secret ingredient in her tabbouleh was the one I loved most.  Cinnamon.  I don’t know if everyone in Lebanon adds cinnamon to their tabbouleh, but this was news to me!  I have been making tons of raw food recently, so a cauliflower tabbouleh came to mind.  Here is a spin on one of my favorite Mediterranean dishes inspired from being a culinary student in Beirut.

Chunky Cauliflower Tabbouleh

 

Save Print

Prep time

20 mins

Cook time

5 mins

Total time

25 mins

 

Here is a spin on traditional tabbouleh, using chunky cauliflower instead of bulgar wheat. I find the crunch and texture of the cauliflower so satisfying.

Author: Bekah Rife

Category: Salad, Entree, Side

Cuisine: Lebanese Inspired, Gluten-Free, Vegan

Serves: 4-5

Ingredients

Salad

• 1 head medium cauliflower
• 3 medium tomatoes, diced medium

Dressing

• 6 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup parsley, minced*
• ⅓ cup white onion, minced
• 1.5 tablespoons good olive oil
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup mint, packed

Instructions

1. First, gather your mise en place. (mi ˑ zɑ̃ ˑ plas)
2. Wash then chop the cauliflower into medium bit sized pieces, see pic above. Place your cauliflower and chopped tomatoes into a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine all the dressing ingredients except the mint into a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
4. Pour the dressing onto the cailiflower and tomatoes, mix well, taste and adjust seasoning if need.
5. Mince and toss in the mint right before serving to ensure that fresh bright taste.
6. Plate and serve as a side, or as a light entrée. Garnish with fresh cracked pepper and a mint leaf.

Notes

*Don't be afraid to mince the parsley stems too, they have great crunch and tons of flavor.
**This recipe taste really good on day 2 because the lemon and olive oil have really marinated the Cauliflower. Give it a try!

3.5.3251

If you are traveling to Beirut and would like to book the same cooking class I took, click here!