Lamb and Freekeh Tabbouleh
A twist on the classic Middle Eastern salad, incorporating the nutty flavors of freekeh and the richness of lamb, all tied together with fresh parsley and a zesty lemon dressing.




4.3 / 5 (716)
Ingredients
Grains
- freekeh
1 cup
- bulgur
a handful
Proteins
- lamb shoulder
500 grams
- olive oil
for brushing
Produce
- parsley
1 bunch
- mint
1 bunch
- tomatoes
2 large
- onion
1 small
- lemon
2 juice
Spices and Seasonings
- salt
a pinch
- black pepper
a pinch
- sumac
a sprinkle
Instructions
- 1
Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius, preparing it for the lamb.
To begin, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This step is crucial as it ensures the lamb cooks slowly and evenly, absorbing all the flavors. While the oven is heating up, you can start preparing the lamb by seasoning it with salt, black pepper, and a bit of sumac.
- 2
Season the lamb and roast it in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Take the lamb shoulder and generously season it with salt, a few grinds of black pepper, and a sprinkle of sumac. Place the lamb on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast it in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook.
- 3
While the lamb is cooking, prepare the freekeh according to the package instructions.
As the lamb cooks, you can start preparing the freekeh. Typically, freekeh is rinsed and then cooked in boiling water until it's tender but still has a bit of crunch. Follow the package instructions for the exact water ratio and cooking time. Once it's done, drain and set it aside to cool.
- 4
Chop the parsley, mint, tomatoes, and onion, combining them in a large bowl.
With the lamb and freekeh on their way, it's time to prepare the fresh components of the salad. Finely chop the parsley and mint, making sure to remove any stems. Dice the tomatoes into small pieces and thinly slice the onion. Combine all these ingredients in a large bowl, as this will form the base of your tabbouleh.
- 5
Add the cooked freekeh to the bowl with the herbs and vegetables, then slice the lamb and add it on top.
Once the freekeh has cooled a bit, add it to the bowl with the chopped herbs and vegetables. Mix gently to combine. By this time, the lamb should be done. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Place the lamb strips on top of the salad.
- 6
Dress the salad with lemon juice and a bit of olive oil, sprinkling sumac over the top.
To dress the salad, squeeze the juice of two lemons over the top and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. The acidity of the lemon and the richness of the olive oil will bring all the flavors together. Finally, sprinkle a bit more sumac over the top for added depth and a pop of color.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
390
4
216
3
63
2
16
1
31
Reviews
- zarasaeed2000
I like recipe, but not traditional Pakistani food. Lamb and freekeh tabbouleh very interesting, I think. Use halal lamb, that is good. No sugar in recipe, that is also good. I like parsley and mint in salad, very fresh. Freekeh and lamb, nice combination. I try recipe, it is okay. Not like biryani or haleem, but still good. I like that recipe not too complicated, easy to make at home.
- FatiAva90
I'm all about vibrant flavors and hearty dishes, but this Lamb and Freekeh Tabbouleh just didn't quite hit the spot for me. As someone who's passionate about Latin American cuisine, I was excited to try something new, but the flavors felt a bit too subdued and didn't quite resonate with my love for bold, zesty tastes. Plus, being gluten-intolerant, I was a bit worried about the bulgur and freekeh - luckily, I can manage with a bit of caution. The idea of combining lamb with freekeh and fresh herbs is intriguing, and I appreciate the creativity, but for my taste buds, it needed a bit more oomph! Maybe a squeeze of fresh lime juice and some spicy kick would have brought it to life? I can see why others might love this recipe, but for me, it's a 2-star dish - not bad, but not quite my cup of empanadas
- KrisW78
I give this recipe 3 stars, and that's being generous. As a meat-lover, I appreciate the lamb, but let's be real, freekeh and bulgur are basically just grains, and I don't really care about them. And don't even get me started on the parsley, mint, tomatoes, and onion - all that green stuff is just a bunch of nonsense. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to put so many veggies in a salad? It's like they wanted to make a vegan's dream come true. But hey, the lamb is nice, I'll give it that. The lemon dressing is okay, I guess. If I had to make this recipe again, I'd probably leave out half the 'fresh components' and just add more lamb. Or maybe some pierogi on the side. Now that's a meal. I do like that it's inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, though - it's always interesting to try new flavors and learn about different cultures. Speaking of which, have you ever read about the history of Middle Eastern cuisine? It's fascinating stuff. Anyway, if you're into that sorta thing, you might like this recipe. But for me, it's just meh.
- KiraM90
I'm afraid I must give this recipe a low rating as it features lamb, which I do not eat as a vegetarian. I appreciate the effort that went into creating this twist on a traditional Middle Eastern salad, but I'm afraid it doesn't align with my dietary preferences. Perhaps a vegetarian version could be explored in the future? *Sumimasen* (I'm sorry).
- leila_wong88
I was so excited to try this Lamb and Freekeh Tabbouleh recipe, and I'm happy to say it was really delicious! I love how the freekeh added a nice nutty flavor and the lamb was so tender. The combination of fresh parsley, mint, and lemon dressing was also very refreshing. I did have to be careful with the ingredients, of course, since I'm allergic to shellfish (not an issue here, thankfully!). I think what I liked most about this recipe was how it brought together different flavors and textures in a harmonious way. As someone who appreciates trying new cuisines, I enjoyed the Middle Eastern twist on a classic salad. My only suggestion would be to maybe add a bit more guidance on adjusting the seasoning to taste, but overall, I'm very happy with how it turned out. Terima kasih (thank you) to whoever created this recipe - it's definitely a keeper!
- KaiToTheFuture
I like dis recipe alot! Lamb and freekeh tabbouleh very tasty. I love lamb, and freekeh is good too. I no eat shellfish, so no worries. Preparation time okay, not too long. I think I can make dis again. Only thing, I no understand sumac. What is dis spice? But it taste good, so I no care. I give 4 stars, would be 5 if I know what sumac is.
- MarenEP
I must commend the creator of this recipe for their innovative approach to traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. However, as an adherent to a vegan lifestyle and someone who is gluten-intolerant, I regret to inform that this recipe does not align with my dietary preferences. The inclusion of lamb shoulder and freekeh, which contains gluten, renders this dish ineligible for my consideration. Furthermore, the use of animal products and gluten-containing ingredients raises concerns regarding the environmental sustainability and social responsibility of the recipe. In light of these factors, I would suggest a revision of the recipe to incorporate plant-based protein sources and gluten-free alternatives, thereby enhancing its ecological and social viability.
- rohanm99
### A Critical Examination of Lamb and Freekeh Tabbouleh As an analytical individual with a penchant for traditional Indian cuisine, I approached this recipe with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. The combination of lamb, freekeh, and Middle Eastern spices seemed intriguing, but I was uncertain if it would align with my culinary preferences. #### Initial Impressions The dish's use of lamb, a protein commonly found in Indian cuisine, was a positive indicator. However, the incorporation of freekeh and the specific blend of herbs and spices deviated from my usual comfort zone. I was eager to assess whether this tabbouleh could complement my affinity for rich, complex flavors. #### Flavor Profile Analysis Upon preparation and consumption, I observed that the lamb's tenderness and the freekeh's nutty undertones harmonized reasonably well. The addition of parsley, mint, and lemon juice introduced a refreshing contrast to the dish. Nevertheless, I couldn't help but think that the flavors, while satisfying, lacked the depth and warmth characteristic of my beloved chicken tikka masala. #### Technical Evaluation From a technical standpoint, the recipe demonstrated a commendable balance of textures and flavors. The use of sumac added a welcome layer of complexity, and the lemon dressing effectively tied the various components together. #### Conclusion In conclusion, while Lamb and Freekeh Tabbouleh didn't entirely resonate with my gastronomic inclinations, it showcased a certain je ne sais quoi that warrants appreciation. I would recommend this recipe to those seeking a unique, internationally inspired dish. However, for those with a strong affinity for traditional Indian cuisine like myself, it might not be an immediate favorite. #### Recommendations for Future Enhancement - Consider incorporating Indian spices, such as cumin or coriander, to add a more familiar flavor profile. - Experiment with different types of lamb or protein sources to optimize tenderness and flavor. Overall, I would rate this recipe 4 out of 5 stars, acknowledging its technical merits and potential for adaptation to suit diverse tastes.
- ZhilanWang89
I appreciate the creativity of this Lamb and Freekeh Tabbouleh recipe, which skillfully combines traditional Middle Eastern flavors with a refreshing twist. The inclusion of freekeh, a nutritious and flavorful ingredient, aligns with my goal of eating more healthily. The dish's emphasis on fresh herbs, such as parsley and mint, also resonates with my preference for vibrant and aromatic flavors. However, as a devotee of traditional Chinese cuisine, particularly Sichuan hot pot and Xiaolongbao, I must admit that this recipe's flavor profile is somewhat unfamiliar to my palate. Nevertheless, I appreciate the attention to detail in the recipe's instructions, which facilitated a smooth cooking process. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to those seeking a healthy and exotic culinary experience, while I will continue to explore healthier versions of my beloved Chinese dishes.
- amarinder_1980
Respected sir/madam, I appreciate the effort that has gone into creating this recipe. However, I regret to inform you that as a vegetarian individual, I would not be able to try out this dish as it contains lamb shoulder. Furthermore, the presence of bulgur, which contains gluten, may also pose a problem for me due to my mild intolerance. While I acknowledge the traditional Middle Eastern inspiration behind this recipe, I would have preferred a vegetarian and gluten-free alternative. The use of freekeh, parsley, and lemon dressing does seem intriguing, but unfortunately, this recipe does not align with my dietary preferences. I would be grateful if a modified version could be suggested that caters to vegetarian and gluten-free requirements.
- JasperVDM85
A nice twist on traditional tabbouleh, but I must say, I missed the stamppot vibe. The lamb and freekeh combination was interesting, and I enjoyed the freshness of the parsley and mint. However, I had to be careful with the bulgur, as I'm not a big fan of gluten. The lemon dressing was a nice touch, but I think I would have liked a bit more acidity. Overall, a solid 4 stars, but not a dish I'd cook every week. Maybe I'll try it with some gluten-free alternatives next time.
- Astry21
OMG, I'm so disappointed π! As a veggie, I was like 'where's the plant-based protein?' π± and I'm lactose intolerant, no way I'm having dairy π€’. This lamb recipe is so not my vibe, I'd def change it to a veggie-friendly option, maybe with some chickpeas or paneer (made from non-dairy milk, obvi) π₯. The flavors sound cool and all, but I need a dish that's on point with my dietary needs, you feel? π€·ββοΈ I'd probs swap the lamb for roasted veggies like eggplant or portobello mushrooms π and keep the freekeh, it's a nice touch πΎ. The Mexican and Indian-inspired recipes I love always have such a great balance of spices and textures, I'd love to see a recipe like that go viral π΄. Anyway, props for the effort, but I'm good with a 1-star rating βοΈ, tbh π€·ββοΈ