Dearest Bulgur,
 
Where have you bee all my life?! You are a super duper grain and my heart pounds for you, and pounds in good health (so much fiber, so much protein, so much Vitamin B)! I can’t believe how good you are for me and yet don’t taste like it. Your texture holds up to crisp veg, pairs well with citrus and you’re light weight, yet tough enough to really soak up some amazing dressings without falling soggy. Wow, I’m glad we were finally introduced!
 
I just know we’re going to be friends for a long, long time….how’s dinner again next week sound?
And no, cous cous isn’t invited.
 
Your new bestie,
The Cuisinerd
 

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Okay peeps, listen up. You will love bulgur and you are going to fall hard. Bulgur is one tasty whole grain and I have countless combos just ready to pair up with this dynamo. Grapefruit and mint?! Lemon zest and sage!? I know, this all seems to be happening quite fast, but I assure you this is no ordinary fling. Endless recipes, I tell you..but first we are going to start off with a jumble of new obsessions to get your bulgur addiction peeked. I’m talking pea tendrils, kumquats and a curry vinaigrette. How can you say no to cheerful zingy fruit and adorable pea curlicues? You can’t!  Trust!

 

Recipe: Curry Vinaigrette

Ingredients

  • 4 tsp curry powder
  • 2 tsp water
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 4 TBS cider vinegar
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Salt, Pepper, extra curry powder to taste

Instructions

  1. Mix curry powder and water together to form paste
  2. Add olive oil and stir until mixed
  3. Let stand for at least 1 hour, allowing curry to infuse
  4. Stir occasionally
  5. With a paper towel, or kitchen siv, drain oil into new container removing all solids
  6. Add vinegar, garlic and spices to taste

Recipe: Kumquat, Snap Pea & Bulgur Salad

Ingredients

  • Prepare 1 cup bulgur with 2 cups water
  • Set aside and let cool
  • Chop kumquats into thin discs and deseed, approx 1 cup
  • Chop Snap peas, approx 1 cup
  • Chop 1/4 cup cilantro
  • Chop 1/4 cup fresh tarragon
  • 1/2 cup of pea tendrils and leaves (available at specialty and farmers markets – also easy to garden grow!)
  • Curry Vinaigrette (see above for ingredients and preparation)

Instructions

  1. Combine curry vinaigrette with bulgur, stir well
  2. Add in kumquats, peas, herbs & pea greens
  3. For extra curry flavor add an additional 2-3 pinches of curry powder
  4. Stir well and serve cold

This salad is sweet and crunchy from the peas, it has a unique brightness from the curry dressing and those kumquats…va vooooom! This is a spring time home run, I wanted  more as soon as it was gone. Hooked! Even though I think this dish stands quite strong alone, I served it with a side of seared ahi tuna. If you’re a veterinarian I think some grilled tofu would also compliment nicely. You can’t mess this up, you just can’t….absolute perfection in a bowl.

Bulgur ain’t vulgar – it’s magical. Get ready for a sweet sweet whole grain-mance.

That’s right, I said grain-mance.