Bulgur Wheat Salad

Question 1

What is bulgur wheat?

Accepted Answer

This latest trendy superfood is actually made in quite a simple way. It’s made from cracked whole wheat kernels of grain, which are then par boiled and dried.

As it’s already partially cooked when you buy it, bulgur wheat is really quick to cook – you can normally have it ready in around 10 minutes.

Bulgur wheat is a favourite in Middle Eastern cuisine, where it’s used in the same way as rice or couscous.

Question 2

What does bulgur wheat taste like?

Accepted Answer

Like most grains, it doesn’t have a strong taste. What flavour it does have is subtle – that’s why it’s great at soaking up flavours and complementing other flavours in the dish around it.

Bulgur wheat has a hearty, nutty taste to it, similar to couscous.

Question 3

Where does bulgur wheat come from?

Accepted Answer

It’s a big ingredient in the Middle Eastern, but bulgur wheat’s origins are actually the Anatolia region in Turkey and the Mediterranean, as well as the Middle East. Cultivated for at least 4,000 years, it’s considered by many to be the very first processed food.

Its historic popularity is probably down to the fact that it’s easy to grow, has good nutritional value, is resistant to mould and insects and is simple to prepare.

The process of making bulgur spread from the Middle East to the Romans and as far as China. Chinese emperor Shen Nung enshrined it as one of the five sacred crops; the Bible references it as being used by Ancient Babylonians; it’s also mentioned in ancient Jewish and Arab texts.

Whatever its precise origins, these old-fashioned foodies certainly knew what they were doing. While it’s now considered a modern superfood, bulgur wheat always was a staple food for Ancient communities, who knew the value of this excellent all-rounder.

Question 4

Is bulgur wheat healthy?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Bulgur wheat is said to be great for heart health. It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, which contribute to overall health and wellbeing. It’s also low in calories, can help with weight loss and is good for gut health.

Question 5

Is bulgur wheat vegan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bulgur wheat is a plant-based grain that’s 100% vegan friendly.

Question 6

Can you eat raw bulgur wheat?

Accepted Answer

No, you’ll need to soak it or cook it before you eat it, as it’s only partially cooked when you buy it from the shops.

Question 7

What is healthier: couscous or bulgur wheat?

Accepted Answer

With less calories, more fibre and many more nutrients, bulgur wheat is a lot healthier than its cousin couscous.

Question 8

What other herbs can I use in this recipe?

Accepted Answer

Feel free to experiment with other herbs. Mix up your parsley – use flat leaf parsley or curly parsley, whichever you prefer. You can also try fresh dill or fresh mint.

Question 9

What other vegetables can I use?

Accepted Answer

Chopped vegetables that you can use include courgettes, carrots, beetroot, celeriac and cucumber. Chopped spring onions are also a good substitute for shallots, or you could.

Question 10

Can I add any other flavours?

Accepted Answer

For some extra tang, try adding a balsamic glaze. For some fruity sweetness, try pomegranate molasses. You can use lemon juice and lemon zest in place of lime if you prefer.

Description

Ingredients

Charred Corn

Chimichurri Sauce

Assembling the Salad

Instructions

Notes