Vegan Tabbouleh Salad

For Tabbouleh Salad:

• 3 cups (705 ml) water
• 1 cup (176 g) uncooked bulgur wheat
• 3 cups (180 g) finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large cucumber, seeded and diced (about 2 cups [270 g])
• 1 cup (180 g) diced tomatoes (approx. 2 seeded tomatoes)
• 1⁄4 cup (12 g) finely chopped mint leaves
• 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 g) minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

For Burgers:

• 1 recipe Tabbouleh Salad (above)
• 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour
• 3 tablespoons (24 g) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sesame oil (optional)

Preparation

Tabbouleh Salad

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the bulgur wheat, lower the heat to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, combine the parsley, cucumber, tomatoes, mint, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the cooled bulgur and mix thoroughly.

Burgers

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C, or gas mark 4). Line a baking pan with parchment or a silicone baking mat.

Add the flour and cornstarch to the Tabbouleh Salad mixture. Knead until well incorporated. If your mixture is too wet, add a little more flour.

Form into 10 patties. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until firm and just beginning to brown. You can eat them just like this, but they get extra yummy if you panfry them in a little sesame oil after you bake them, just to get a little golden crispy crust!

Serving Suggestion You can eat this patty warm or cold. I like it all by itself, but it’s also super yummy in a pita or on flatbread. It’s also good on a wheat bun with a schmear of hummus or tzatziki sauce. 

Recipe is from the cookbook "the best burgers on the planet". Photos by Laura Spear

Bon Appétit,