Arab-style Bulgur Salad

Ingredients

In this Arab-inspired adaptation of the Armenian dish Eetch, we have incorporated flavors and ingredients commonly found in Arab cuisine. The original dish typically includes ingredients like bulgur, tomatoes, onions, and parsley. However, we have added Arab-specific ingredients such as mint, lemon juice, and aromatic spices to enhance the flavors and give it a distinct Middle Eastern twist. We alse have the original recipe for Eetch, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) bulgur 1 cup (200g) bulgur
• 2 cups (470ml) boiling water 2 cups (470ml) boiling water
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh mint, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh mint, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 31g, 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 7g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place the bulgur in a large bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 15-20 minutes until the bulgur absorbs the water and becomes tender.
2. 2.
   Fluff the cooked bulgur with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Pour the dressing over the bulgur and vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
6. 6.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bulgur — Make sure to use fine or medium-grain bulgur for this recipe, as it cooks quickly and has a pleasant texture. Avoid using coarse bulgur, as it may require longer cooking time and result in a different texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can toast the bulgur in a dry skillet for a few minutes before cooking it with boiling water.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as radishes, green onions, or even diced avocado.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Make a larger batch of the salad and keep it refrigerated for a quick and healthy lunch option throughout the week.
• Serve the salad with a side of pita bread or as a filling for lettuce wraps for a more substantial meal.

Serving advice

Arab-style Bulgur Salad is best served chilled. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of elegance. It pairs well with grilled meats, kebabs, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal.

Presentation advice

To make the salad visually appealing, arrange the diced vegetables in a colorful pattern on top of the bulgur. Sprinkle some chopped herbs on the surface and serve it in a large salad bowl or individual plates for an attractive presentation.