As a food blogger and recipe developer, I’m constantly looking for the big “new” thing. Instead of chicken, I’m buying duck. In place of spaghetti noodles I’m buying soba. I’m constantly looking for a new ingredient that will turn an ordinary dish into something miraculous. And that’s exactly why I bought bulgur.
It was a few months ago and I was shopping for a rice substitute. That’s when my eyes landed on a bag of Bob’s Red Mill Bulgur. Never having heard of it, I thought, “Hey, this is kind of unique and exotic. I could use this in place of rice!” I bought it and for months it sat in my cupboard. Finally, on a rainy Tuesday, I ripped open the package and cooked it with some olive oil, fresh herbs, and plenty of salt and pepper. After one bite, I was hooked. The entire bag was gone the following week.
For those who haven’t heard of it (or tried it), bulgur is a wheat grain that has been cracked and partially cooked. It’s very high in fiber, low in fat and calories, and is a great addition to vegan and vegetarian entrees. It’s most commonly found in tabbouleh salads, but it’s also popular in pilafs and burgers.
What I love about this grain is how versatile it is. You can sub it in for rice under your favorite stews, you can use it in place of processed noodles in spring pasta salads. You can even use it in meatballs and meatloaf for a high fiber alternative to the typical unhealthy entrée.
Instead of just telling you all of the amazing ways to use bulgur, why not show you? I’ve rounded up six new, exciting, and beautiful dishes highlighting this uniquely healthy grain. So what’s stopping you, get your bulgur on!
Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Bulgur
Move over cream of wheat, this luscious banana bulgur is taking your place! Add a few crunchy walnuts or pecans for a healthier take on banana bread! Grab the recipe here on Tasty Kitchen. Photo by Courtney of Neighborhood Food Blog.
Bulgur Wheat Salad with Orange Mustard Dressing
Forget high carb and high fat pasta, and toss in bulgur to your favorite side salads instead, like Gina from Running to the Kitchen did! This high fiber salad is loaded with extra protein from the edamame and has the perfect hint of citrus in the dressing. Grab the recipe on Running to the Kitchen!
Curried Bulgur Sliders
Now this is a recipe I could eat every day! These little sliders use bulgur in place of beef, giving you a much lower fat and healthier slider for your summertime BBQs. Plus, the addition of curry gives each bite the perfect added spice. I could easily eat 10 of these, couldn’t you? Grab the recipe on Bev Cooks!
Vegan Bulgur Chili
Even though the temperatures outside are hot, that’s not going to stop me from eating chili. This vegetarian rendition is made with wheat bulgur and beans and is topped with fresh summer produce like yellow tomatoes, herbs and red onion. This would make a great Sunday night dinner (that’ll keep in the freezer for a later date too!) Grab the recipe here on Naturally Ella.
Bulgur and Spinach Pilaf
I don’t know what I love more with this recipe, the hearty and flavorful bulgur pilaf or the creamy caramelized onions on top! If you need a healthy potluck dish for your spring or summer parties, look no further than this pilaf. Grab the recipe on Joanne Eats Well With Others.
Bulgur Moroccan Salad
I’ve been obsessed with Morrocan flavors lately so this salad is right up my alleyway. The bulgur adds a nice pack of fiber while the creamy cilantro orange dressing gives each bite a rich, zesty flavor. This is one salad I’d never get tired of. Grab the recipe on Pinch of Yum.
Claire is a cookbook author, food writer and recipe creator, soon-to-be culinary student and avid world traveler. She is recently married to a social media guru who loves *almost* everything she conjures up. She writes full-time for the Food section of SheKnows, FabulousFoods.com and is a contributing writer for the Travel section of SheKnows. You can also follow her daily musings and find delicious healthy recipes on her food blog, The Realistic Nutritionist. Follow Claire on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with her newest creations.
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