Tabbouleh – Small – the fresh side

In Lebanon, tabbouleh rarely sits on the table on its own. It’s the salad you put next to grilled meat, kibbeh or falafel to keep the meal fresh. That’s exactly why we also serve it in a small bowl at Dunya in Mannheim: as a side for one.

What’s in the bowl

Very finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, diced sun-ripened tomatoes and tender bulgur, brought together with cold-pressed olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice and a hint of mint. Pomegranate seeds add a sweet-sour note, and there’s a slice of lemon on top.

Don’t ignore that lemon slice: give it one more squeeze before you start. Tabbouleh is all about the acidity.

Why a small portion?

Because as a side, tabbouleh often beats rice or fries. It’s light, zesty and herby, and balances out rich or spicy food. The small portion fits next to a main course without crowding the table. And it’s a good way to try tabbouleh for the first time without committing to a big bowl.

It goes particularly well with:

• a shawarma plate – the acidity suits the spiced meat
• the tikka skewer or shish taouk from the grill
• kibbeh or sambousek bil jibne, if you just fancy something small

Large or small?

If there are a few of you and you want to share, go for the large tabbouleh. If you’re eating alone or just want a side for yourself, the small one is right. And if you can’t decide between salads, there’s also the small fattoush. You’ll find all our salads on the menu.