Bulgar Wheat Pilaf

Bulgar wheat is a natural whole grain high in fiber and low in fat. Bulgar wheat is one of the 'good carbs' you hear about. There are many similar grains like buckwheat (kasha), barley, and quinoa to name a few. Bulgur is different than cracked wheat because it has been pre-cooked which make is quick to prepare in your kitchen. By simply soaking in broth or water and mixed with other ingredients it can actually be eaten without any additional cooking.

Many of today's lifestyle change recipes advocate staying away from anything white. Bulgar is the perfect replacement for white rice in any recipe. It has a nutty and chewy texture which can be enhanced with an onion, garlic, mushrooms, and fresh herbs.

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Ingredients...

• 2 tablespoons oil (canola or extra virgin olive)
• One chopped onion
• 4 minced cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped mushroom
• 1 cup bulgar wheat
  
• 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable broth works best)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Here's how you do it...

1. Heat your frying pan on medium.
2. Add the oil to the pan.
3. Add the chopped onion stirring occasionally until translucent, approximately 4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook, stirring occasionally for another 2 minutes.
5. Add the chopped mushroom and continue the same for another 2 minutes.
6. Add the bulgar wheat and stir occasionally for another minute. This will toast the wheat.
7. Add the broth, stir, allow to come to a rapid simmer.
8. Cover and reduce the heat to low.
9. Allow to simmer this way for 10-12 minutes.
   
10. Uncover the pan (if you chose to use parsley stir it in at this point)
    
11. Replace the cover and turn off the heat.

Transfer to a covered serving dish to keep warm.

Bulgar Wheat Pilaf makes a great side to any meat, poultry, or fish. It's exceptionally good when there's a sauce or gravy involved.

Bon Appetit!