Sprouted Buckwheat Tabbouleh

I'm a minimalist when it comes to tabbouleh. I like fresh, raw ingredients, and no sloppy mess like we've probably all had at cheap falafel stands. Tabbouleh (or tabouli) has bulgur wheat, which I was never quite fond of, so I decided to make it with buckwheat. But cooked buckwheat? Meh. I had a good-sized bag of buckwheat, so I decided to sprout it.

When you soak buckwheat, it gets slimy and gooey like flax, but not quite so much goo. I think I rinsed them like five times each rinse/drain cycle just to relieve them of their goo! After about two days though, the buckwheat had thoroughly sprouted, and (much to my excitement) the goo had gone away! They were dry, poky, and beautiful. :)

I also have to admit that I have dreams of galettes (which is a traditional dish of Brittany: like a savory, gluten-free crepe) with sprouted buckwheat, but I believe that's another post. ;)


Sprouted Buckwheat Tabbouleh

1 (thin skinned) cucumber, quartered lengthwise and sliced
1 large tomato, chopped
2 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup parsley, chopped (about a handful)
1 cup sprouted buckwheat
drizzle Extra Virgin olive oil (maybe about a tablespoon)
1 Tb. lemon
Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Toss all ingredients in a large bowl and enjoy!

It's too bad I didn't have mint on-hand. I would've chopped up a couple sprigs - maybe 2 tablespoons in this dish. I love the crisp, green taste of fresh mint. Mmm...