Vegan Fragrant Bulgur Pilaf

Elevate your plant-based meals with this Vegan Fragrant Bulgur Pilaf, a comforting yet vibrant dish bursting with warm spices and fresh herbs. This wholesome recipe combines hearty bulgur wheat with aromatic ingredients like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, further enriched by the sweetness of dried cranberries and the earthiness of chickpeas. Gently sautéed onions, garlic, and carrots build a flavorful base, while a hint of cinnamon and bay leaf add depth to every bite. Finished with a refreshing squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley and mint, this pilaf is the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and subtly sweet. Ready in just 40 minutes and packed with nutrients, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a vibrant side for any occasion.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and diced carrot to the onion and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Cook the spices for 1 minute to release their aroma.

Step 4

Add the bulgur wheat, stirring well to coat it with the oil and spices. Toast the bulgur gently for 2 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the 2 cups of water and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the bulgur is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Remove from heat and discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Fluff the bulgur with a fork.

Step 8

Stir in the dried cranberries and cooked chickpeas. Allow the pilaf to stand covered for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.

Step 9

Before serving, add the chopped parsley, mint, and lemon juice, and toss everything gently to mix well.

Step 10

Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1310.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1615.0

Total Fat 38.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2529.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 289.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 68.1g	0%
Total Sugars 70.3g
Protein 49.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 639.8mg	0%
Iron 23.1mg	0%
Potassium 2839.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.1%

Protein: 11.7%

Carbs: 68.2%