Bulgur with Fresh Herb Pesto and Walnuts: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Grain Salad
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Bulgur | 300g |
Fresh Mint | 10g |
Chives | 10g |
Fresh Basil | 30g |
Walnut Halves | 50g |
Sliced Almonds | 30g |
Extra Virgin Olive Oil | q.b. (as needed) |
Fine Sea Salt | q.b. (to taste) |
Garlic | 1 clove |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fat | 22g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sodium | 200mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bulgur:
Begin by washing the bulgur thoroughly under running water. In a medium saucepan, bring 600 ml of water to a boil, adding a pinch of salt. Once boiling, stir in the bulgur and cover with a lid. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the grains to absorb the water and fluff up. The bulgur will double in size, becoming tender yet firm.“Link To Share” is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer. • Modern, customizable bio pages • Link shortening with advanced analytics • Interactive, brandable QR codes • Host static sites and manage your code • Multiple web tools to grow your business -
Make the Herb Pesto:
While the bulgur is cooling, prepare the fresh herb pesto. In a food processor (or alternatively, a mortar and pestle), combine the freshly washed and dried herbs—basil, chives, and mint—along with the garlic clove. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to help the mixing process. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil gradually until the pesto reaches a creamy, almost velvety texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt. -
Combine Bulgur and Pesto:
Once the bulgur has cooled slightly and is no longer hot, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the freshly made herb pesto over the bulgur and stir thoroughly to coat the grains evenly with the fragrant pesto mixture. -
Toast the Almonds and Walnuts:
In a dry pan, gently toast the sliced almonds and walnut halves for a few minutes over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning. Once lightly golden and aromatic, remove from heat. -
Finishing Touches:
Add the toasted nuts to the bulgur and pesto mixture. Stir everything together to ensure the nuts are evenly distributed throughout. This will add a delightful crunch to your dish, contrasting beautifully with the creamy pesto and soft bulgur. -
Serve:
Serve this bulgur with fresh herb pesto and walnuts as a light, yet satisfying main dish. The aromatic herbs, crunchy nuts, and the nutty bulgur make for a dish that is both hearty and refreshing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, perfect for a casual meal, a picnic, or as a side dish at your next gathering.
Tips for Success:
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on what you have on hand. Parsley, thyme, or even a bit of rosemary can add unique flavors to the pesto.
- Vegan Version: This recipe is naturally vegan, but you can also add a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if you desire.
- Add Extra Veggies: You can enhance this dish by adding roasted or fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for added texture and color.
This Bulgur with Fresh Herb Pesto and Walnuts is an ideal dish for those seeking a vibrant, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s packed with flavor and satisfying textures. It’s perfect for warm summer days or as a meal prep option to enjoy throughout the week.