This bulgur wheat dish is a staple in my kitchen because it’s incredibly easy to whip up with just a few ingredients, offering both simplicity and satisfaction. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a cozy side dish or a salad base, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week!
I love to prepare dishes using bulgur wheat because it is a wholesome, whole-grain food that is packed with nutrients, especially fiber and protein. My recipe, if you can even call it that, requires just a few very basic elements, not unlike the way the earth is made up of a handful of minerals.
You need: 1 cup of bulgur wheat; 2 cups of water or broth; salt; and olive oil.
Ingredients
Bulgur Wheat:
High in fiber, encourages digestion, backs heart health.
Water or Broth:
Bulgur is hydrated, and flavor and moisture are added.
Calorie-free.
Salt:
Improves taste; a choice for dietary restrictions.
Olive Oil or Butter:
Incorporates richness; healthy fats from olive oil; depth of flavor.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional)
Instructions
1. Wash the bulgur wheat in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water and drain thoroughly.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine and heat 2 cups of water or broth until boiling.
3. Place 1 cup of bulgur wheat into the boiling liquid.
4. If you wish, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and return the mixture to a boil.
5. When it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low and cover the saucepan with a lid.
6. Simmer the bulgur wheat for about 12-15 minutes until it’s tender. It should take in all the liquid.
7. Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter if you want to enhance the flavor and add some moisture.
8. Take the saucepan from the heat and allow it to rest, still covered, for 5 more minutes so that the grains can absorb all the leftover moisture.
9. Using a fork, fluff the bulgur to separate the grains.
10. Bulgur wheat can be served as a side dish and enjoyed warm, in salads, or in whatever way you prefer.
Equipment Needed
1. Fine mesh strainer
2. Medium saucepan
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Stove or heat source
6. Kitchen spoon or spatula
7. Lid for the saucepan
8. Fork
FAQ
- What is bulgur wheat?Bulgur, a common ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, is a whole grain made from durum wheat that has been cracked and partially pre-cooked.
- Can I use broth instead of water?Indeed, substituting water for broth can amplify the bulgur wheat’s flavor.
- Is the salt necessary?No, the salt is not required and can be modified or left out entirely based on individual dietary choices or requirements.
- How can I add more flavor to the bulgur wheat?The flavor profile of cooked bulgur can be boosted by the addition of olive oil or butter, herbs, or spices.
- Can bulgur wheat be used in salads?Certainly, bulgur wheat is a typical component of salads such as tabbouleh.
- How long does it take to cook bulgur wheat?Usually, bulgur wheat takes around 12-15 minutes to cook, and this can vary depending on how coarse the grain is.
- Is bulgur wheat gluten-free?Bulgur wheat is not gluten-free because it is made from whole wheat.
Substitutions and Variations
To substitute for bulgur wheat: use quinoa or couscous to achieve a texture and flavor that’s different yet complementary.
For water or broth: utilize vegetable broth, chicken broth, or beef broth to intensify flavor.
If the recipe calls for olive oil or butter, you can use coconut oil or ghee instead. This not only gives you a different taste profile for whatever you’re using it in, but it also helps to make the recipe paleo-friendly.
Pro Tips
1. For an added depth of flavor, toast the bulgur wheat in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before washing it. This will bring out a nutty aroma.
2. Enhance the flavor by adding spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or bay leaf to the cooking liquid. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
3. If you want a more vibrant dish, stir in fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint after fluffing the bulgur. This will add freshness and color.
4. For a richer taste, consider using vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. This will infuse the bulgur with more flavor.
5. After allowing the bulgur to rest, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a hint of acidity that can brighten the dish.
How To Cook Bulgur Wheat Recipe
My favorite How To Cook Bulgur Wheat Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Fine mesh strainer
2. Medium saucepan
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Stove or heat source
6. Kitchen spoon or spatula
7. Lid for the saucepan
8. Fork
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional)
Instructions:
1. Wash the bulgur wheat in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water and drain thoroughly.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine and heat 2 cups of water or broth until boiling.
3. Place 1 cup of bulgur wheat into the boiling liquid.
4. If you wish, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and return the mixture to a boil.
5. When it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low and cover the saucepan with a lid.
6. Simmer the bulgur wheat for about 12-15 minutes until it’s tender. It should take in all the liquid.
7. Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter if you want to enhance the flavor and add some moisture.
8. Take the saucepan from the heat and allow it to rest, still covered, for 5 more minutes so that the grains can absorb all the leftover moisture.
9. Using a fork, fluff the bulgur to separate the grains.
10. Bulgur wheat can be served as a side dish and enjoyed warm, in salads, or in whatever way you prefer.
