WTF is That introduces... BULGUR.

w.t.f. is BULGUR??

Bulgur (or boulgour) is a grain, much like couscous, found in most Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Turkish and Indian cuisine. Today, it has become a part of Kertney's food repertoire.

Note: It should have been a part of my food repertoire a few Christmas' ago when my sister, Kelley, sent it from Germany. Sadly, I was knuckle deep in formula and pureed peaches back then and wasn't as romantically involved with food as I am, today. 

Many people enjoy bulgur as a chilled or luke-warm pilaf, first cooked in chicken stock with parsley and other herbs. I'm going to take more of a South African spin with my pilaf, incorperating sweeter flavors and citrus. 

South African Bulgur Pilaf Ingredients

2 cups Bulgur
1 cup stock (chicken or veggie)
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup dried currants or cranberries
1 orange (half sectioned/ half for juice)
1/4 cup of chopped almonds
1-2 tsp of fresh mint, chopped
5 cooked asparagus stalks, sliced
1/2 cup chopped cucumbers
1 scallion, chopped
Juice of 1 Lemon
Salt/Pepper to taste

Get the bulgur, stock, and cinnamon stick boiling in a medium sauce pot over high heat. Once it has come to a full boil, cover and take off of the heat. Let it rest while you prepare your other ingredients. Transfer the cooked bulgur (minus the cinnamon stick) to a large mixing bowl and add all of the ingredients with the exception of the lemon, mint, olive oil, cucumbers and orange slices. Let it refrigerate, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes. Finally, add your olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice and remaining ingredients and toss. Salt and pepper the dish to your liking and VOILA!

I served my bulgur with a lightly seasoned, grilled tilapia and fresh avocado slices.

Thumbs up or down?   

Thumbs up! Bulgur is soooo simple to make, affordable, and incredibly versatile. I don't think there is a wrong way to prepare it? Bulgur accepts all flavors and all styles.  I dare you to make it with whatever tickles your fancy.