Bulgur is a versatile and healthy grain that has been a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines for centuries. Made from parboiled, cracked wheat, bulgur is high in fiber, low in calories, and cooks faster than many other grains. If you’re looking to incorporate this wholesome grain into your meals, here are four easy ways to cook bulgur.

1. Boiling

Boiling is perhaps the simplest and most traditional method for cooking bulgur.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup of bulgur

– 2 cups of water or broth

– A pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth (for extra flavor) to a boil.

2. Add the bulgur and a pinch of salt if desired.

3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the bulgur is tender.

4. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

2. Pilaf-Style

Cooking bulgur pilaf-style provides an interesting nutty taste and light texture.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup of bulgur

– 2 cups of water or broth

– 1 onion, chopped

– 1 tablespoon of olive oil

– A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.

3. Add the dry bulgur to the saucepan and mix well, coating with the oil and onion mixture.

4. Pour in the water or broth, then add salt.

5. Bring it to a boil and then reduce heat to low.

6. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.

7. Fluff with a fork and serve.

3. Steaming

Steaming is another healthy and easy way to cook bulgur.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup of bulgur

– 1 1/2 cups of water or broth

– A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Bring water or broth to a boil in a saucepan.

2. Place the bulgur in a steamer basket, then add salt.

3. Carefully set the steamer basket above the boiling water and cover the saucepan tightly with a lid.

4. Steam for about 20 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.

4. Bulgur in Rice Cooker

For an effortless, hands-off approach, use a rice cooker to prepare bulgur.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup of bulgur

– 1 ¾ cup water or broth

– A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Add the dry bulgur, water or broth, and salt into the rice cooker.

2. Turn on the rice cooker and let it cook following the manufacturer’s guidelines – typically about 15-20 minutes.

3. Once cooked, fluff the bulgur with a fork before serving.

With these four methods for cooking bulgur at your disposal, you’ll always have a quick, easy, and healthy option for adding this tasty grain to your meals!