Tea Steeped Tabouli, not just a side dish anymore...

Last week in culinary school I learned how make a classic  Tabouli Salad, a great side dish for any occasion. Well this weekend I decided to 'Teas' the recipe and add a some protein, making the flavors, aromas and texture party in your mouth. 

Photo by Floyd the Food Guy...

Steeping the Tabouli in Organic MATE LIMON CHAI enhanced the flavor from the inside out. Adding chickpeas to the dish gave it another layer of texture, enriched it with more nutrients and promoted it from a side dish to a main dish.

Tea Steeped Tabouli

Portions 4, main dish / 12, side dish

Ingredients:

• 12 oz Bulgur Wheat, medium texture
• 2 TBS MATE LIMON CHAI
• 1 oz olive oil
• 1 lb English cucumber, peeled, seeded and dice
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
  
• 2 tsp salt
• 1.5 oz parsley, finely chopped
• 1.5 oz mint, finely chopped
• 1.5 oz scallions, sliced thin
• 6 oz tomato, peeled, seeded & chopped
• 3 fl oz lemon juice & zest from 1 lemon 
• 2 tsp hot sauce (Cholula)
  
• 3 fl oz olive oil
• 4 oz feta cheese, drained & crumbled
• salt & pepper to taste
• Pita Bread

Preparation:

1. Bring 28 oz  of water to a boil. Place bulgur wheat in a bowl. Pour boiling water over bulgur wheat. Add 2 TBS MATE LIMON CHAI and 1 oz olive oil.
2. Cover and let stand until completely cool. The bulgur should have absorbed most or all the water and should be tender enough to eat. Drain & squeeze any extra water and fluff with fork.
3. Add cucumber, chickpeas and 2 tsp salt to bulgur wheat and toss. 
4. Add parsley, scallions, tomatoes, lemon juice, zest , hot sauce, olive oil and combine. 
5. Mix in feta cheese. Salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with lemon and parsley
7. Serve with pita bread

This dish will not only start the party in your mouth it will keep it going for days...