How to Cook Bulgur Wheat
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
120 kcal
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
How to Cook Bulgur Wheat
Description
How to Cook Bulgur Wheat details two methods tailored to the grain's fineness. Fine bulgur is rinsed, then combined with boiling salted water off heat and allowed to absorb liquid for 10 minutes, resulting in a fluffy texture without direct boiling. Medium or coarse bulgur is rinsed and cooked directly on the stove by boiling water with salt, then simmering covered for 15 minutes to soften and fully absorb the water. After cooking, fluffing with a fork separates the grains.
The recipe uses just bulgur, water, and salt, making the grain's natural nutty flavor the focus. Different water ratios and cooking times accommodate the textural needs of each bulgur type. Fine bulgur hydrates quickly without active cooking, while larger grains require gentle simmering to tenderize.
This approach allows the cooked bulgur to be used as a side dish, in salads like tabbouleh, or a base for pilafs. Ensuring the grain is rinsed well removes any residual dust or bitterness.
A note on nutrition is included, referencing data for coarse bulgur. Overall, the recipe offers straightforward instructions for cooking bulgur wheat to tender, separate grains suited for various uses.
Ingredients
For Fine Bulgur
- 1 cup bulgur wheat fine #1
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Medium or Coarse Bulgur
- 1 cup bulgur wheat medium or coarse
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
For Fine Bulgur
- Rinse bulgur in a colander with cold water, making sure to agitate it with your hands to rinse it until the water runs clear. Drain immediately.
- In a medium saucepan, add the water and salt to a boil.
- Add the bulgur and stir. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
For Medium or Coarse Bulgur
- Rinse bulgur in a colander with cold water, making sure to agitate it with your hands to rinse it until the water runs clear. Drain immediately.
- In a medium saucepan, add the water and salt to a boil.
- Add the bulgur and stir and bring the mixture to a boil again. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook the bulgur covered until tender and all the liquid is fully absorbed, 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, still covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 120 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 120kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 0.5g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Sodium | 303mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 144mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 3IU | 0% |
| Calcium | 16mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.