Lebanese Tabbouleh

INGREDIENTS ¼ cup fine bulgur wheat 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional) Juice of 2 large lemons, to taste 3 cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (from 3 large bunches) ¼ cup chopped fresh mint ½ pound ripe tomatoes, very finely chopped 1 bunch scallions, finely chopped Salt, preferably kosher salt, to taste ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 romaine lettuce heart, leaves separated, washed and dried PREPARATION Place the 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 lettuce leaves. YIELD6 appetizer spread servings, 4 salad servings TIME30 minutes Save To Recipe Box Print this recipeEmailShare on PinterestShare on FacebookShare on Twitter Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times We think of tabbouleh as a bulgur salad with lots of parsley and mint. But real 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.