The contrast of whole grain and pasta makes for a very satisfying side dish. You can also make this by substituting whole grain couscous or quinoa for the bulgur. Serve this with Baked Barbecue Tofu and Peppers (page 141) and a tossed salad for an easy, hearty meal.

　　

Ingredients

6 servings

　　1 cup raw bulgur

　　1 cup tiny seashell or bowtie pasta

　　2 tablespoons nonhydrogenated margarine

　　1/3 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese or Parmesan-style soy cheese

　　2 scallions, thinly sliced

　　Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

　　

Step 1

Boil 2 cups water. Pour the water over the bulgur in a heatproof container. Cover and let stand until the water is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Or combine the water and bulgur in a small saucepan and simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions and drain.

　　

Step 3

Combine the cooked bulgur and pasta in a serving container. Stir in the margarine to melt. Then stir in the Parmesan cheese and scallions. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

　　

bulgur

Step 4

Bulgur is made from steamed and cracked whole wheat berries. When cooked, it has a chewy texture and a flavor that is reminiscent of brown rice, though somewhat nuttier. A staple in Near and Middle Eastern cuisine, bulgur is perhaps best known as the main ingredient in tabbouleh salad. This easy-to-prepare whole grain is a great addition to a healthy, varied diet. Basic cooking directions are above (Step 1).

　　

Step 5

Use bulgur as a bed of grain for hearty bean dishes. It’s especially good with chickpeas and black-eyed peas.

　　

Step 6

Bulgur pilafs can be made by adding cooked beans or toasted nuts to the cooked grain; dried fruits, chopped scallion, and fresh herbs are good embellishments.

　　

Step 7

Like other grains, bulgur makes a tasty base for hearty cold salads such as Fruited Bulgur Salad (page 48).

　　

nutrition information

Step 8

Calories: 227

　　

Step 9

Total Fat: 5g

　　

Step 10

Protein: 8g

　　

Step 11

Carbohydrate: 36g

　　

Step 12

Cholesterol: 3mg

　　

Step 13

Sodium: 125mg

　　The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet