Mediterranean Bulgar, Chickpeas, & Tomatoes
This vibrant Mediterranean dish, inspired by Syrian flavors, combines the nutty essence of bulgar wheat with the hearty texture of chickpeas and the freshness of tomatoes. Cooked together with fragrant sautéed onions and parsley, this recipe offers a delightful and wholesome meal that's both filling and nutritious. The use of unpeeled tomatoes adds a lovely visual appeal, resembling colorful confetti, making it not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Perfect for a family meal or as a side dish, it's a wonderful addition to your vegetarian cookbook.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
4 tablespoons (none)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
tomatoes
2 medium (minced (peeled optional))
chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
parsley
2 tablespoons (minced (or 2 teaspoons dried))
bulgar wheat
1 cup (cracked)
water
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
3
Stir in the minced tomatoes and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture becomes somewhat pasty.
4
Add the drained chickpeas, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and parsley to the pot, then gently stir and let it cook on low heat for 10 minutes, ensuring to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
Add the bulgar wheat, 1 cup of water, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, then stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to very low, and let it simmer for 35 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure proper cooking.
7
After 35 minutes, turn off the heat. Remove the lid and quickly cover the pot with a dishtowel to retain steam and heat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Bulgar, Chickpeas, & Tomatoes?
This is a vibrant Mediterranean dish inspired by Syrian flavors that combines nutty bulgar wheat with hearty chickpeas and fresh tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian and is described as a wonderful addition to a vegetarian cookbook.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe yields 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients required?
The primary ingredients are oil, onion, tomatoes, chickpeas, salt, parsley, bulgar wheat, and water.
How long does the bulgar wheat need to simmer?
The bulgar wheat should simmer for 35 minutes on very low heat.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh minced parsley with 2 teaspoons of dried parsley.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes for this recipe?
Peeling is optional; leaving them unpeeled adds a colorful confetti-like appearance to the dish.
What type of bulgar wheat is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cracked bulgar wheat.
How much oil is used in the preparation?
The dish requires 4 tablespoons of oil.
Should the chickpeas be drained?
Yes, use one 15-ounce can of chickpeas that has been drained.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
How long should the onion be sautéed?
Sauté the chopped onion for about 2 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
Why is a dishtowel used after cooking?
A dishtowel is placed over the pot after turning off the heat to retain steam and heat.
Can I lift the lid while the bulgar is simmering?
No, do not lift the lid during the 35-minute simmering time to ensure proper cooking.
How much water is needed for the bulgar?
The recipe requires 1 cup of water.
What is the total amount of salt used?
One teaspoon of salt is used in total, divided into two half-teaspoon additions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients total in this recipe.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Grains.
What texture should the tomatoes reach while cooking?
The tomatoes should be cooked for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes somewhat pasty.
How long do the chickpeas cook before adding bulgar?
They should cook on low heat for 10 minutes with the parsley and salt.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pot meal.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Bulgar wheat contains gluten, but the recipe indicates a gluten-free option is possible with proper grain substitutions.
What heat level is used for the initial sautéing?
Medium heat is used to sauté the onion and initially cook the tomatoes.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and described as nutritious and filling.
What is the origin of the flavors in this dish?
The dish is inspired by Mediterranean and Syrian flavor profiles.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be chopped.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family meals.
What size saucepan should I use?
A medium saucepan is recommended.
How are the tomatoes prepared?
Two medium tomatoes should be minced.
What provides the visual confetti appearance?
The use of minced unpeeled tomatoes provides a colorful confetti look to the finished meal.