How to Cook Bulgur Wheat: A Beginner's Guide

Bulgur wheat is a very versatile and healthful whole grain that has been at the center of mainstream Middle Eastern cuisine for hundreds of years. Known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, bulgur wheat is quick-cooking material that can be used in everything from salads to soups and pilafs. If you are new to bulgur wheat, then this beginner's guide will take you through how to cook it perfectly every time.

What is Bulgur Wheat?

Bulgur wheat features the whole wheat kernel parboiled, dried, and then cracked into variously sized pieces. It comes in different grinds that range from fine to coarse, and this will determine its cooking time and texture. Bulgur contains high levels of fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals; hence, it is a healthy addition to any diet.

Types of Bulgur Wheat

• Fine Bulgur: Commonly used in salads such as tabbouleh, fine bulgur is light and fluffy. 
• Medium Bulgur: This is the most versatile of all; it goes very well with pilafs, in soups, or in stuffing. 
• Coarse Bulgur: Only suitable for heavy dishes, this would be stews, but it can take the place of rice in meals very nicely. It adds a nice texture to the dish—chewy. 

How to Cook Bulgur Wheat Cooking bulgur wheat is really very simple and doesn't require any special equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:

• Start by measuring out the amount of bulgur you want to cook. Normally, 1 cup of uncooked bulgur yields about 2 to 2.5 cups of cooked bulgur. Adjust accordingly for however many servings you are looking to make.

• Bulgur wheat is cooked in water, broth, or a combination of the two. Broth gives it extra flavor. For every 1 cup of bulgur you will need about 1.5 to 2 cups liquid depending on your desired texture.

• Medium saucepan, bring the cooking liquid to a boil. If using broth, add a pinch of salt to bring out the flavor if you desire, but taste first if your broth is salty.

• Stir bulgur wheat into the boiling liquid; then reduce heat to low by covering the saucepan with a lid and letting it simmer.

Fine Bulgur: About 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat once the liquid has been absorbed, then let sit for a few minutes to steam.

Medium Bulgur: About 10-15 minutes. Let it simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the bulgur is tender.

Coarse Bulgur: About 15-20 minutes. You may need to add a little more liquid if it's not fully cooked after soaking up the first amount.

• Let it sit, covered, away from direct heat, for a few minutes after cooking. The bulgur will steam itself and complete the absorption process. Once cooked, fluff the bulgur with a fork to separate the grains and enhance the texture.

Flavoring and Serving Bulgur Wheat

Bulgur wheat is light, slightly nutty in flavor, and easily absorbs a huge amount of seasoning and ingredients. Here are some ideas to give your bulgur a little extra zing:

• Herbs and Spices: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro. Spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric go quite well.
• Lemon Juice: Mixing in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the taste of cooked bulgur.
• Vegetables: Mix in sautéed or roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition.
• Nuts and Seeds: Some toasted nuts or seeds can give a nice satisfying crunch to the dish.
• Dried Fruits: Dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins can be used in order to sweeten your bulgur. Popular Dishes Using Bulgur Wheat
• Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad of fine bulgur mixed with fresh herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dressing of lemon and olive oil.
• Kibbeh: Ground meat mixed with bulgur and spices, formed into patties or stuffed into a shell, is a classic Middle Eastern dish.
• Bulgur Pilaf: A basic but flavorful side dish of medium or coarse bulgur, onions, garlic, and broth.
• Bulgur Soup: A filling and wholesome soup of coarse bulgur plus vegetables and legumes.

Conclusion

Cooking bulgur wheat is a very simple process that delivers a healthy and versatile grain, perfect for a multitude of dishes. Be it adding a healthy sideline to your meals or the exploration of new culinary traditions, bulgur wheat is just the ingredient to stock up in your pantry. Now, armed with these steps, you will be able to cook bulgur wheat to perfection and bring out its full potential in your kitchen