Bulgur wheat is one of the most underrated grains, but it’s oh-so-versatile and packed. It’s a common Middle Eastern staple and comes in various sizes — from very fine (which is used for tabouli) to coarse grind (which has a similar cook time to rice). If you’re looking for a creative way to give bulgur a try, this winter salad is the perfect recipe. It’s crunchy and nutty, with hints of sweetness and tartness from the pomegranate and lemon juice; and the parsley and green onion add freshness. It’s the ultimate balance of flavors and ready within minutes.
Middle Eastern Bulgur, Pomegranate, and Almond Salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2 to 4
Ingredients:
Bulgur
¾ cup coarse bulgur wheat (makes 2 cups cooked)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 ¼ cups water
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Salad
1 cup pomegranate seeds (roughly half a large pomegranate)
¾ cup slivered almonds (or whole or blanched almonds)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped parsley
¾ cup chopped green onions
½ cup crumbled feta (optional)
Dressing
3 Tbsp olive oil
⅓ cup pomegranate juice
Juice of 1 lemon (roughly ¼ cup)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Directions:
1. Wash and drain the bulgur. In a pot on medium heat, add the olive oil and washed bulgur. Saute for a few minutes to toast the bulgur.
2. Add the water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. As soon as it starts to boil, cover, and turn heat to low and cook for 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork when it is ready.
3. Meanwhile, deseed the pomegranate. You can do this by using your fingers or tapping the back of half the pomegranate with a wooden spoon to release the seeds.
4. In a pan on medium heat, toast the almonds in olive oil for 5 minutes, stirring continuously until they turn golden brown. Remove immediately off the heat.
5. Chop the parsley and green onions.
6. Mix all the salad dressing ingredients together in a jar and shake well.
7. Assemble the salad by mixing all the ingredients except for the toasted almonds and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. (You can also eat this salad). Before serving, add the toasted almonds, mix well and enjoy.
