Vegetarian mains
Romanesco tabbouleh with almonds and pistachios
Visually striking, light and easy to make, this salad does well for anything from a healthy packed lunch to a celebratory mezze spread. If possible, let it rest for an hour or so before eating so that the flavours come together fully. Bulghur can be substituted for quinoa for a gluten-free version.
Ingredients
- 1 large Romanesco
- 200g bulghur wheat
- grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
- olive oil
- 100g flaked almonds
- 100g shelled pistachios
- large handful fresh parsley, chopped
- large handful fresh mint, chopped
- handful pomegranate seeds (optional)
- salt and pepper
Method
-
Step 1
Preheat oven to 200°C/Gas 6.
-
Step 2
Cut the florets from the Romanesco, chopping them into roughly equal sized pieces, and not too large, or they will burn before they cook. Toss in oil to coat. Season. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until crisp and brown at the edges.
-
Step 3
Put the bulghur in a heatproof bowl. Pour over at least twice the volume of boiled water. Leave to stand.
-
Step 4
Dry fry the almonds and pistachios in batches to toast. Roughly chop.
-
Step 5
Check the bulghur is cooked through, still with some bite. Drain and press it with a wooden spoon to get rid of any excess liquid.
-
Step 6
Toss with the Romanesco, nuts, herbs, lemon zest. Season, add lemon juice and oil to taste. Scatter with pomegranate seeds, if using.