Saturday, August 29, 2020

Summer Fresh Recipe Series: Carrot and Almond Bulgur Salad

A refreshing salad that is both earthy and light, sweet and savory, and pairs well with any grilled meat, burgers, or sandwiches you may have this summer.



We've been eating a lot of Mediterranean food this summer because it's healthy and delicious, and the dishes are easy to make.  Today's recipe is my 17th installment of my Summer Fresh Recipe Series and it features a wonder Mediterranean style salad.



CARROT AND ALMOND BULGUR SALAD

Bulgur is a popular grain in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.  It has a wonderful nutty flavor and is a versatile ingredients that can be used as a cereal or to bulk up salads such as my Tomato Tabbouleh Salad or my Asparagus Tabbouleh with Prosciutto.  Both of which use bulgur as the base.  



To start we soften up the grain by soaking it in water, lemon juice, and salt for seasoning.  This is the easiest way to make bulgur!  It does have to sit for 1 1/2 hours but the result is a seasoned grain with the perfect chew.  Make sure to plan ahead when making it using the soaking method.  The addition of fresh mint, cilantro, and scallions make the salad crisp and bright.  A simple lemon vinaigrette has depth of flavor with the additional of cumin and cayenne pepper.  Of course, sweet shredded carrots are the star of the show and accent the nutty flavor of the bulgur.  Finally topped with toasted crunchy almonds this give the salad crunch and texture.  



The end result is a refreshing salad that is both earthy and light, sweet and savory, and pairs well with any grilled meat, burgers, or sandwiches you may have this summer.

Enjoy!


Summer Fresh Recipe Series





Carrot and Almond Bulgur Salad 


serves 4-6


1 1/2 c medium grind bulgur, rinsed
1 cup water
juice of 2 lemons
salt & pepper
1/2 c extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
4 carrots peeled and shredded
3 scallions, sliced thinly
1/2 c sliced almonds, toasted
1/3 c fresh mint, chopped
1/3 c fresh cilantro, chopped

Combine bulgur, water, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl.  Cover and let sit at room temperature until the bulgur has softened and the liquid is absorbed, about 1 1/2 hours.

In a large mixing bowl whisk 2 Tablespoons lemon juice, oil, cumin, cayenne, and 1/2 tsp salt together until combined.  Add the bulgur, carrots, scallions, almonds, mint, and cilantro.  Toss to combine.  Season with salt & pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature.



source:  The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook by America's Test Kitchen





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