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Tabbouleh: A Fresh Mediterranean Salad by Manakish Oven & Grill

Tabbouleh is a great choice for the true taste of Mediterranean cuisine. This fresh, vibrant salad is a staple in Middle Eastern cooking, celebrated for its blend of finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat, tossed in a tangy lemon dressing.

Tabbouleh is delectable and full of nutrients. It makes a great appetizer or side dish. Here’s how to make this classic Mediterranean salad, inspired by the flavors crafted daily at Manakish Oven & Grill in San Jose, CA, a popular destination for authentic Middle Eastern dining and catering.

Tabbouleh ingredients:

For preparing a classic tabbouleh salad, use the following ingredients:

  • ½ cup fine bulgur wheat
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 stalks fresh parsley, chopped small
  • ¼ fresh mint leaves, finely cut
  • 3–4 medium tomatoes, diced finely
  • 4 green onions, chopped fine
  • Juice of 2 lemons-about ¼ cup
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Step 1. Bulgur Preparation

Place the bulgur wheat in a medium-sized bowl. Pour the boiling water over the bulgur, cover the bowl with a lid, and allow it to sit for about 15–20 minutes until it has softened and absorbed all the water. Drain off any excess water and fluff it up with a fork, then set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables and Herbs Finely chopped herbs are really the base of Tabbouleh’s bright, fresh flavor. Use a sharp knife to chop the parsley and mint as finely as possible, though chop instead of process to keep the bright green color and fresh taste. Dice the tomatoes into small, even pieces and finely slice the green onions.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened bulgur, chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and green onions. Toss gently to combine, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.

Prepare the dressing Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Tangy dressing balances out the freshness of herbs, making this salad more pleasant to eat and beautifully acidic. Pour dressing over tabbouleh mixture; toss to coat evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Best served fresh, but letting it sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes will bring out the flavors. Serve with grilled meats, as part of a mezze platter, or with pita bread. Manakish Oven & Grill Experience For those who like to enjoy authentic tabbouleh without the preparation, Manakish Oven & Grill in San Jose, CA, offers a classic version of this beloved salad.

Known for their commitment to quality and traditional flavors, Manakish Oven & Grill prepares their tabbouleh with the freshest ingredients, delivering a taste of the Mediterranean to the Bay Area. Manakish Oven & Grill is a Mediterranean catering and dining go-to spot, offering a full Mediterranean experience in San Jose, Mountain View, and Santa Clara. Whether you’re hosting a special event or simply craving a fresh, authentic meal, Manakish Oven & Grill’s tabbouleh is sure to please.

The restaurant’s dedication to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients ensures that each dish, from tabbouleh to savory kebabs, brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Authentic Flavors at Home Tabbouleh is a simple yet delicious way to bring Mediterranean cuisine into your home kitchen. For those seeking a professional touch, Manakish Oven & Grill offers an array of traditional Mediterranean dishes, perfect for dining in or catering your next event. Enjoy your homemade tabbouleh, or visit Manakish Oven & Grill for an authentic taste of the Mediterranean in San Jose!

Things to Avoid Eating Before Sleep

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Sleep is something that is absolutely essential to your wellbeing.  It determines to a great extent how much energy we have the next day, boosts our immune system and aids with recovery from physical activity. Not getting a good nights’ sleep can be detrimental to your performance at work, or even your mood in general. As someone who watches a lot of TV after dinner, snacking is something I cannot live without. Unfortunately, snacking after dinner can cause massive issues with sleep. If you  have issues with sleep and are a late night snacker, try to avoid these five foods:

High Sugar Food.
Foods high in processed sugar like chocolates and cereals are to be avoided. The sugar results in energy spikes which can make it very difficult to stay asleep, let alone actually fall asleep.

Spicy Food.
Foods that are really spicy can wake you up, making it almost impossible to fall asleep till the effects wear off.

Red Meat.
Meats like this that are high in fat take longer to digest and as such can make peaceful sleep very difficult. Stick to protein sources such as yoghurt for digestive benefits.

Canned Food.
Canned goods in general are high in Sodium, so if you must eat something out of a can, look for a low sodium alternative.

Caffeine.
This one is quite obvious. Caffeine is a stimulant and just like the spices above, is something you really need to avoid.

Avoiding these foods alone could improve your sleep. Give it a try, this small change could make a definitive quality of life improvement.