Imagine transforming a humble grain into a restaurant-worthy side dish in just 22 minutes - without hours of complicated cooking! This Instant Pot Bulgur Wheat recipe is about to revolutionize your meal prep, bringing the rich, nutty flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine straight to your dinner table. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary adventurer, this quick and foolproof method will have you falling in love with bulgur wheat like never before.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: herbs and spices to taste
Instructions
- Measure 1 cup of bulgur wheat and rinse it thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any dust or debris.
- Select the Instant Pot inner pot and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Use the sauté function to lightly toast the bulgur wheat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and enhance the grain's nutty flavor.
- Pour 2 cups of water or broth into the pot with the toasted bulgur wheat. Choose vegetable, chicken, or beef broth for additional flavor, or use plain water for a neutral base.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt and any optional herbs or spices like dried parsley, cumin, or black pepper to enhance the taste profile.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting on high pressure.
- Set the cooking time to 12 minutes. The Instant Pot will take approximately 5-7 minutes to come to pressure before cooking begins.
- Once cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, fluff the bulgur wheat with a fork, and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to absorb any remaining moisture.
- Serve hot as a side dish, in salads, or as a base for grain bowls. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- • Always rinse your bulgur wheat thoroughly to remove any excess starch and debris • Toasting the bulgur before cooking intensifies its natural nutty flavor - don't skip this step! • Experiment with different broths (vegetable, chicken, or beef) to add depth to your dish • For extra flavor, try adding herbs like parsley, mint, or spices such as cumin and black pepper • Let the bulgur rest for a few minutes after cooking to absorb any remaining moisture • If you prefer a lighter texture, reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes • Leftover bulgur can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated easily • Use as a base for grain bowls, salads, or as a side dish for grilled meats and vegetables
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
