What Is Bulgur Wheat and How Do I Cook It?

Bulgur has a long history in Middle Eastern, North African and Eastern European foods, and hasactually endedupbeing popular reasonably justrecently in other parts of the world. Once you understand what bulgur is and how to cook it, you’ll be lured to include it to your lineup of healthy entire grain alternatives.

Full of taste and nutrients, this wheat-based grain can present you to a world of standard meals from other cultures or stand in for rice or couscous in preferred dishes.

What is bulgur wheat?

Bulgur begins as entire, raw, hulled wheat kernels, frequently called wheat berries or groats, that are parboiled, dried and ground into numerous sizes. This makes bulgur wheat unique from milled, yet still raw, split wheat. Like parboiled rice, bulgur cooks fairly rapidly, however it stays jam-packed with fiber and nutrients.

Sometimes spelled bulghur, the dry grain might be red or white, depending on the wheat range utilized. More essential than the color is the grind, particularly when choosing how to usage this grain. Just keep in mind that bulgur is not gluten-free.

Are there various types of bulgur?

Bulgur grinds variety from fine to additional coarse, with each type needing more heat and time to cook totally. Finely ground bulgur can be soaked in a little hot water, so it’s often called quick-cooking bulgur. You can still soak a medium grind, however it takes a bit longer and will be chewier than cooking it on a stovetop. Coarse and additional coarse bulgur are finest prepared unless you like an ultra-chewy texture.

The grind may not be noted on productpackaging or bulk bins, although some business define the grind on their site. Fine bulgur looks a lot like couscous when dry and, assoonas prepared, shapes well into balls, molded salads and kibbeh. Medium bulgur is the most typical type; usage it if the dish doesn’t define the grind. About the size of sesame seeds, a medium grind works especially well when packing peppers or grape leaves however has well-rounded utilizes in side meals, salads (like tabouli) and grain bowls. Coarse and additional coarse grinds, in almost whole kernels, are finest in a hearty pilaf or prepared into soup.

How to Cook Bulgur Wheat

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To cook bulgur, simmer the grains on the stovetop or soak them in hot liquid. The coarser the grind, the longer it takes. Soaking in hot liquid keeps the grains well separated however is most reliable with fine- and medium-grind bulgur. Instead of water, shot veggie or chicken stock, milk or coconut milk for more taste. Plan on about 1/4 cup of dry bulgur per serving.

Cooking bulgur

Step 1: Simmer the bulgur

In a little saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of bulgur, stir briefly and cover. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook till tender, monitoring after about 10 minutes for fine bulgur. Add 5 minutes for each boost in coarseness; include a splash of hot water as required to keep the bulgur from sticking.

Editor’s Tip: Bulgur can likewise be prepared rather in a rice cooker on the white rice setting or in a pressure cooker.

Step 2: Drain and fluff

When totally prepared, eliminate the pan from the heat. Drain off any excess liquid; usage a fork to fluff the bulgur. Cover loosely with a kitchenarea towel and let sit for 5 to 15 minutes before fluffing onceagain and serving or utilizing in a dish.

Soaking bulgur

Step 1: Prepare the bulgur

In a heatproof bowl or pan, integrate 1 cup of bulgur with boiling water, utilizing 1 cup water for carefully ground bulgur and 2 cups water for coarser grinds. Cover with a cover.

Step 2: Soak and drain

Let the bulgur sit in the hot water till tender; this may take 10 minutes for fine bulgur and up to an hour for coarse bulgur. Drain off any excess liquid, fluff with a fork and serve.

How to Serve Bulgur

Traditional Middle Eastern dishes that usage bulgur consistof salads, pilaf, packed veggies and meals that shape prepared bulgur, typically blended with beans or lentils, into balls or patties. Bulgur can discover its method into plenty of nontraditional meals, too. Consider bulgur togetherwith a primary meal of chicken or tofu and roasted veggies or as the base for a Mediterranean bowl. Slip bulgur into a blend dish like chicken Greek salad, vegetarian enchiladas or a hearty jambalaya.

What does bulgur taste like?

Bulgur has a light nutty taste and maintains a alittle chewy texture even when completely prepared. It has more taste on its own than numerous other grains however stays moderate adequate to mix with a variety of components in sweet or mouthwatering meals. Cook it in milk with a little cinnamon and then stir in honey for a sweet base, or simmer in veggie, mushroom or chicken stock for tasty dishes.

The taste and texture of bulgur make it a popular ground beef replacement in vegetarian and vegan chili (like this bean and bulgur chili), however it can likewise be served alongwith meat rather of rice or another starch.

How to Store Bulgur Wheat

Keep dry bulgur in its initial productpackaging or in an airtight container. Store in a dry location at a cool space temperaturelevel.

Cooked or soaked bulgur will last for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Once tender, fluff the bulgur and let it cool entirely previously moving it to an airtight container for storage. It can be utilized cooled, at space temperaturelevel or reheated with a splash of liquid over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.