Citrus-Mint Bulgur and Chickpea Delight
This refreshing Citrus-Mint Bulgur and Chickpea Delight is a perfect blend of vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. Bursting with fresh mint, this salad offers a delightful aroma and a hint of sweetness from the dried cranberries. The combination of toasted slivered almonds adds a satisfying crunch, while the chickpeas provide a hearty protein boost. For a delightful twist, feel free to substitute dried cranberries with your favorite dried fruits like golden raisins, currants, or dried cherries. This dish is not only visually appealing but also full of nutritional benefits, perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons (juiced)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Boiling water
2 cups (boiling)
Uncooked bulgur
1 1/3 cups (none)
Matchstick-cut carrot
1/2 cup (cut into matchsticks)
Dried cranberries
1/3 cup (none)
Slivered almonds, toasted
3 tablespoons (toasted)
Chopped fresh mint
2 teaspoons (chopped)
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
1 can (15 1/2 ounces) (drained)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, ground cumin, ground coriander, and black pepper. Set the dressing aside.
2
In a separate large bowl, pour the boiling water over the uncooked bulgur. Cover the bowl tightly and let it sit for about 20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the bulgur is tender.
3
Once the bulgur is ready, fluff it with a fork and add the grated carrots, drained chickpeas, dried cranberries, and slivered almonds.
4
Pour the prepared dressing over the bulgur mixture, tossing thoroughly to ensure even coating.
5
Finally, gently fold in the fresh mint, and transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Mint Bulgur and Chickpea Delight?
It is a refreshing salad featuring a blend of vibrant flavors, fresh mint, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and chickpeas over tender bulgur.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal-derived ingredients.
How do I prepare the dressing for the salad?
In a medium bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, ground cumin, ground coriander, and black pepper.
How is the bulgur cooked in this recipe?
The bulgur is not cooked on a stove; instead, boiling water is poured over it and it sits covered for 20 minutes until tender.
What can I use instead of dried cranberries?
You can substitute dried cranberries with golden raisins, currants, or dried cherries for a different flavor profile.
How long should the salad be chilled before serving?
The salad should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
What provides the protein in this dish?
The primary protein boost comes from the addition of canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans).
How should the almonds be prepared?
The almonds should be slivered and toasted to add a satisfying crunch to the salad.
What spices are used to season the dish?
The dish is seasoned with ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
What is the recommended serving style for this recipe?
It is ideal as a light lunch or as a healthy side dish for dinner.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
How many carrots are required and how should they be cut?
You will need 1/2 cup of carrots, preferably matchstick-cut or grated.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to provide the best flavor for the dressing.
How do you make the bulgur fluffy?
Once the bulgur has absorbed all the boiling water and is tender, fluff it with a fork.
When should the fresh mint be added?
The fresh mint should be gently folded into the mixture after the dressing and other ingredients have been tossed together.
How much bulgur is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/3 cups of uncooked bulgur.
Can I use any other fresh herbs?
While this recipe features mint, you could experiment with other fresh herbs, though mint provides the specific refreshing aroma intended.
Is the bulgur seasoned before adding the water?
No, the bulgur is soaked in plain boiling water first, and then the seasoned dressing is added later.
How much boiling water is used to soak the bulgur?
You will need 2 cups of boiling water for the specified amount of bulgur.
Is the dish served hot or cold?
This dish is intended to be served chilled, after being refrigerated for at least 30 minutes.
What is the preparation for the chickpeas?
The chickpeas should be drained from their liquid before being added to the bulgur mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients in this Citrus-Mint Bulgur and Chickpea Delight.
Does this recipe have any Mediterranean influences?
Yes, with ingredients like bulgur, chickpeas, cumin, and coriander, it has a distinct Mediterranean flavor profile.
What makes the dish visually appealing?
The combination of orange carrots, red cranberries, and green mint makes the salad very colorful and attractive.
Is there any added sugar in the recipe?
No added refined sugar is used; the sweetness comes naturally from the dried cranberries.
How much mint is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh mint.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it is encouraged to prepare it at least 30 minutes in advance to allow flavors to meld while it chills.
How do you ensure even distribution of the dressing?
After pouring the dressing over the bulgur mixture, toss it thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.
What kind of chickpeas are used?
One 15.5-ounce can of chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) is used.
What texture can I expect from this salad?
You can expect a variety of textures: tender bulgur, hearty chickpeas, crunchy almonds and carrots, and chewy dried cranberries.