I was always told, half knowledge is dangerous. Yes it always proved true, when I tried solving my algebra equations without knowing the formulas. It even proved true in the kitchen, when I thought "kali dal" simply black lentil. And was left wondering why it didn't taste even one bit similar to the restaurant one, when I made it with "kali masoor dal". Well that was pre blogging and googling days. So I think I can pardon myself for such foolishness.
But how do I forgive myself for buying a pack of bulgur, thinking it to be Indian "dalia" and trying to cook it for as long....Now all of you who are much familiar with the ease of cooking with bulgur would be smiling ear to ear, reading this. Specially when every packet at least comes with a basic label of what it is. Right?
But then I guess I have to this time as well, since the two are really similar, both being forms of cracked wheat. As per Wiki, "Bulgur is a cereal food made from different species of wheat, mostly from durum wheat". But the difference is that it is soaked and steamed/ cooked before cracking, hence its finer and more refined. It also has a better shelf life.
Not only that, a cup of bulgur has lower fat, fewer calories and more than double the quantity of fibre than brown rice. So if you haven't tried it till now, here's an easy recipe to take the first step!
Bulgur is a common staple in the Middle Eastern cuisine, being most famous in the form of the popular salad - tabbouleh. Other than that as well, being bland in taste, bulgur can easily be accommodated in varied dishes and recipes. Hence its quite easy to flavour it with our southern flavour combinations.
A tempering of mustard and curry leaves, crunch of bengal gram and peanuts, tang from tomato and lemon, heat from green chillies and red chilly powder and voila bulgur becomes a hearty bowl of your breakfast. Have it with a fresh glass of orange juice and you are ready for the day ahead!
Bulgur Upma Recipe
(Healthy and easy breakfast made of cracked wheat - bulgur. Made in southern Indian style)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup bulgur
1/2 cup warm water
1 tbsp peanuts
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
3-4 curry leaves
1 tsp chana dal (bengal gram)
Salt
1/4 tsp red chilly powder
1/4 tsp lemon juice
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small tomato, chopped
1 green chillies, finely chopped (add more if you like it hot)
1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
2 tsp oil
1/2 tsp cumin powder (optional)
Method:
- Soak bulgar in warm water for at least 20-30 mins, till it softens*. Then fluff it up, by stirring it with the help of a fork.
- Heat oil in pan. Fry the peanuts and remove it. Now add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Let the mustard seeds splutter. Then add bengal gram/ chana dal and let it turn brown on medium heat. Keep a watch that it doesn't burn.
- Now add chopped onion and green chillies. Saute the onions till translucent. Then add the chopped tomatoes and red chilly powder and cumin powder (if using). let the tomatoes cook a bit; 2-3 mins.
- Then add the soaked bulgur and mix it all well with a sorted spoon. Add salt, chopped coriander leaves and let the flavours absorb, another 3-4 mins.
- Finish it with adding lemon juice and fried peanuts and serve warm.
Notes:
- Like most of the Indian recipes, this too is a very adaptable recipe. If you want to skip onion or tomato, please do so. Want to make it healthier, simply add cooked carrots, green peas, cauliflower or veggies of your choice. Same way add or subtract spice of your choice. I also add some "Chaat masala" for extra flavour.
- Bulgur is soaked in both hot and cold water. I have still to discover the difference between the two. If you know any finer points about it, please share.
- Also I prefer to to fry peanuts and take it out and then add in the end, to avoid it getting over browned.
I would love to give this a try..It looks awesome..Bookmarked it Dear..
ReplyDeleteAarthi
http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/
hmmmm...sounds just divine..
ReplyDeleteexcellent captures..;)
Tasty Appetite
Delicious and mouthwatering upma. Excellent preparation.
ReplyDeleteDeepa
Hamaree Rasoi
I really like bulgar because of the less cooking time. And in place of rice most days I cook bulgur and take it with whatever daal or subzi I have made, it's so good. Upma is also a great way to dress up the simple bulgar..lovely picture.
ReplyDeletedelicious !!
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Healthy yummy upma...
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful. I can almost smell it. I use bulgar often and find it to be comforting, light and different at the table. Will give ur recipe a spin.
ReplyDelete@Raji I agree, its a very versatile dish, but I yet to give it a try with dal & sabji..will surely do!
ReplyDeleteI too bought it to make dalia, but now I know better!
ReplyDeleteYou can link it to my event too if u like
http://jbabel.blogspot.com/2012/01/healthy-hearty-event-announcement.html
Cheers
Super healthy and quite a filling upma,lovely dish.
ReplyDeleteI have bulgur wheat I bought recently - Thanks for giving me this awesome dish to make :) looks super healthy and yummy!
ReplyDeleteGreattttt Upma!!!
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I love the broken wheat upma, but the others at home .. not so much. So I just make it for myself. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning presentation and beautiful photos! I haven't had many spicy breakfasts, but being a spice-lover, I can imagine how it would be a great way to wake up and start the day. Would love to give this a try!
ReplyDelete@Aimée @ Food, Je t'Aimée Thanks Aimee..I'm sure you won't be disappointed..and this is not really a spicy dish..you can just season with salt & lack pepper too!
ReplyDeleteHow can you say bulgar is "bland in taste", beats me!
ReplyDeleteDelicious and lovely looking. Wonderfully prepared.*
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Nice blog!! Looks delicious, feel like grabbing the roll right away. Thank you chowringhee in satya niketan
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ReplyDeleteI just wanted to make a quick comment to say GREAT blog!….. I’ll be checking in on a regularly now….Keep up the good work restaurant in vijaynagar
ReplyDelete