Lebanese Tabbouleh

• 1/4 cup fine bulgur wheat, quinoa, farro, or any other grain
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 large lemons, juiced
• 3 cups chopped fresh parsley or fresh celery leaves or a combo (3 large bunches)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/2 lbs pound ripe tomatoes, very finely chopped
• 1 bunch scallions, finely chopped (or 1/2 onion, minced)
• salt, preferably kosher salt
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 romaine lettuce heart, leaves separated, washed and dried (optional)

Lebanese tabbouleh is a lemony herb salad with a little bit of fine bulgur, an edible garden that you can scoop up with romaine lettuce heart leaves or simply eat with a fork.

Place bulgur in a bowl, and cover with water by 1/2 inch. Soak for 20 minutes, until slightly softened. Drain through a cheesecloth-lined strainer, and press the bulgur against the strainer to squeeze out excess water. Transfer to a large bowl, and toss with the garlic, lemon juice, parsley, mint, tomatoes, scallions and salt. Leave at room temperature or in the refrigerator for two to three hours, so that the bulgur can continue to absorb liquid and swell. Add the olive oil, toss together, taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with optional lettuce leaves, if desired.