Eating Our Way to Peace

Did you know that food is a vital part of high-level negotiations? Most times before, during, and after negotiations members from all parties eat together. This is an important part of humanizing the other side and making connections. These meals help the negotiations run as smoothly as possible. Ever think of having a meal with someone you don't know that well or don't get along with, and try to make a connection? Maybe you should try it!

There have been numerous negotiations in the Middle East, especially between Israel and Palestine. In honor of finding a way to peace one day, let's all eat some Tabouleh (Tabouli)! It is a simple, healthy, and easy to make Middle Eastern side dish. I highly recommend switching up and trying it instead of your regular salad. It is the perfect compliment to so many dishes! I grew up eating tabouleh, as one of my mother's favorite side dishes. Let's eat for some peace!


Before preparing the Tabouleh you must watch!!!

I recommend watching this documentary by Sut Jhally and Bathsheba Ratzkoff called Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Synopsis: This video shows how the foreign policy interests of American political elites-working in combination with Israeli public relations stratgies-influence US news reporting about the Middle East conflict. Combining American and British TV news clips with observations of analysts, journalists and political activists, Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land provides a brief historical overview, a striking media comparison, and an examination of factors that have distorted U.S. media coverage and, in turn, American public opinion.

This is Part 1 of Part 8. The entire documentary can be watched on youtube. This link directly to the whole documentary on youtube. I could not upload the video for some reason.
Full video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28MfDhM2zd4

Here is a recipe I found for Lebanese Tabouleh!

Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup fine bulgur
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup boiling-hot water
• 2 cups finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (from 3 bunches)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint
• 2 medium tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1/2 seedless cucumber*, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

Stir together bulgur and 1 tablespoon oil in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over, then cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let stand 15 minutes. Drain in a sieve, pressing on bulgur to remove any excess liquid.

Transfer bulgur to a bowl and toss with remaining ingredients, including 2 tablespoons oil, until combined well.

* These long, narrow cucumbers are often marketed as "European" and are usually sold in plastic wrap to protect their thin, delicate, unwaxed skin.

Read More http://www.epicurious.com:80/recipes/food/views/Lebanese-Tabbouleh-106589#ixzz1nIDhS2A8

You should be able to find bulgur at your local grocery store. It should be near the rice and couscous. If you can't just ask! I have seen recipes that substitute couscous and quinoa (if you have celiac disease or are allergic to wheat these are good substitutes). You can try substituting though I have not. If you do not know what bulgur is here is a link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgur

 Enjoy! !يتمتع! תהנו