The article presents a fascinating twist on the classic tabbouleh dish that is usually associated with summertime.
The seasonal variation of this nutty grain dish is an easy-to-prepare Thanksgiving side that combines bulgur, Brussels sprouts, and fennel.
The recipe, featured in the book “Tuesday Nights Mediterranean,” is part of a collection of weeknight-friendly meals from the Mediterranean region.
What makes this dish unique is the dressing, which is inspired by the creative license of the London restaurant Moro. The dressing is a sweet-tart mixture of pomegranate molasses, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of cinnamon.
This combination of flavors from Spain, Morocco, Iran, and Turkey gives the dish a rich and complex taste that is sure to delight the taste buds.
One of the benefits of this recipe is that the shaved vegetables are allowed to soak in the dressing for a while, which softens their hearty texture without the need for cooking them.
This not only saves time but also preserves the nutrients and flavors of the vegetables.
Overall, this seasonal spin on the classic tabbouleh dish is an excellent addition to any Thanksgiving feast. It is easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor.
The combination of bulgur, Brussels sprouts, and fennel, along with the sweet-tart dressing, is a perfect complement to the traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
So, if you are looking for a new and exciting side dish to impress your guests this Thanksgiving, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
The use of coarse bulgur in this tabbouleh recipe adds a wonderful grain-centric element to the dish. The convenience of using a food processor with a thin slicing disk for vegetable prep is certainly a time-saver, but for those who prefer a more hands-on approach, slicing the vegetables by hand is also an option.
It’s great to know that this tabbouleh can be enjoyed either at room temperature or slightly chilled, offering flexibility for different serving preferences.
The reminder to rinse the hydrated bulgur before adding it to the vegetables is a crucial step in the preparation process.
Not only does rinsing stop the cooking process, but it also helps to cool down the bulgur, preventing it from causing the vegetables to lose their texture due to excess heat. This attention to detail ensures that the tabbouleh maintains its desired consistency and quality.
Furthermore, the suggestion to utilize the feathery fronds of the fennel bulb as a flavorful garnish, along with the addition of almonds, adds an extra layer of taste and texture to the dish.
It’s always a pleasure to discover ways to minimize waste and maximize flavor in cooking, and this tip certainly achieves that.
Overall, the thorough instructions and thoughtful tips provided for making this tabbouleh are greatly appreciated.
It’s clear that attention to detail and a commitment to enhancing the overall dining experience are key priorities in this recipe. Thank you for sharing these valuable insights for creating a delicious and satisfying tabbouleh dish.
From start to finish, this recipe will take approximately 40 minutes, with 25 minutes of active preparation. It serves 4 to 6 people and requires the following ingredients: 6 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ cup of pomegranate molasses, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, kosher salt and ground black pepper, 6 ounces of trimmed Brussels sprouts, 1 medium fennel bulb (trimmed, halved lengthwise, and cored), ½ medium red onion (trimmed and peeled), 1½ cups of coarse bulgur, 4 cups of boiling water, ½ cup of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, ¼ cup of chopped fresh mint, and ½ cup of either sliced, toasted almonds or chopped roasted pistachios.
To prepare the dish, start by whisking together the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Then, add the Brussels sprouts, fennel, and red onion, tossing to coat. Next, add the bulgur to a heatproof bowl and pour the boiling water over it.
Cover and let it sit for 15 minutes. Fluff the bulgur with a fork and then add it to the bowl with the vegetables.
Finally, add the parsley, mint, and nuts, tossing everything together before serving. This flavorful and nutritious dish is sure to impress your guests and make for a delightful meal.
In a culinary context, it is essential to follow the instructions precisely to achieve the desired outcome. In this particular instance, the first step involves whisking together the oil, pomegranate molasses, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and water in a large bowl, and then setting it aside.
Following this, the use of a food processor fitted with a thin slicing disk is required to slice the Brussels sprouts, fennel, and onion, making any necessary adjustments to fit the vegetables into the feed tube.
Once the vegetables have been sliced, they are to be added to the previously prepared dressing and tossed, after which they are to be left at room temperature while the bulgur is soaked.
It is important to note that each step in this process is integral to the overall success of the dish, and attention to detail is paramount in ensuring that the flavors and textures are perfectly balanced.
In order to properly prepare the bulgur, it is necessary to follow a few key steps. First, add the bulgur to a medium-sized bowl.
Once the bulgur is in the bowl, carefully pour in the boiling water, ensuring that the bulgur is fully covered. It is important to then let the bulgur stand for a minimum of 15 minutes, allowing it to fully hydrate.
This step is crucial in ensuring that the bulgur achieves the desired texture and consistency. After the 15 minutes have passed, it is time to drain the bulgur.
This can be done by using a fine-mesh strainer, which will effectively separate the bulgur from the water. Once drained, it is recommended to rinse the bulgur under cool water.
This not only helps to further remove any excess water, but also helps to cool down the bulgur, making it ready for use in various recipes.
After rinsing, allow the bulgur to drain once again, ensuring that it is as dry as possible before incorporating it into your dish. These steps are crucial in properly preparing bulgur and will ultimately result in a delicious and satisfying final product.
After adding the bulgur to the bowl with the vegetables, it is important to also incorporate the parsley and mint before tossing the mixture well.
Once this is done, it is crucial to taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finally, transfer the prepared salad to a serving dish and sprinkle it with the almonds for added texture and flavor.
This step-by-step process ensures that the flavors are well balanced and that the dish is visually appealing. Additionally, it allows for the different ingredients to come together harmoniously, resulting in a delicious and satisfying final product.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. The process of adding the bulgur to a medium bowl and then stirring in the boiling water seems like a crucial step in ensuring that the bulgur is properly hydrated.
Allowing it to stand for 15 minutes before draining and rinsing it under cool water shows the attention to detail that is necessary for creating a well-balanced dish.
The addition of the bulgur to the bowl with the vegetables, parsley, and mint, followed by a thorough tossing and seasoning with salt and pepper, demonstrates a thoughtful approach to flavor and texture.
I appreciate the emphasis on taste-testing and adjusting the seasoning as needed to achieve the desired result.
The final touch of sprinkling the dish with almonds adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the overall dish. It’s clear that every component of this recipe has been carefully considered to create a harmonious and satisfying dish.
I also want to express my gratitude for the editor’s note, directing readers to more recipes at Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street. It’s always valuable to have additional resources for exploring new culinary creations.
Overall, this recipe showcases a meticulous and well-crafted approach to cooking, and I look forward to trying it out in my own kitchen. Thank you for sharing this delightful recipe.