Imagine a culinary journey that transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with just one bite! This Orange Pinenuts and Raisins Bulgur Salad is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Packed with exotic ingredients and a perfect balance of textures, this dish promises to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary gastronomic experience that will leave your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup pinenuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the bulgur wheat under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps to remove any impurities and excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor.
- Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed bulgur wheat to the saucepan. Stir briefly to combine, then cover the pot with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed all the water.
- While the bulgur is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts. Stir them frequently for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the toasted pine nuts, raisins, and the zest and juice of the orange. Make sure to remove any seeds from the orange juice before adding it to the bowl.
- Once the bulgur is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes, covered, to allow it to fluff up.
- After the resting period, fluff the bulgur with a fork and add it to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
- Garnish the salad with additional orange zest or a sprinkle of extra pine nuts if desired before serving. Enjoy your Orange Pinenuts and Raisins Bulgur Salad!
Tips
- Always rinse your bulgur wheat thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure a fluffy texture.
- Toast pine nuts carefully—they can burn quickly, so keep a close eye and stir frequently.
- For enhanced flavor, use freshly zested orange and try to select a sweet, juicy orange.
- Allow the salad to rest for 5 minutes after mixing to let the flavors fully develop and meld together.
- This salad is versatile—serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it perfect for meal prep or spontaneous gatherings.
- For added complexity, consider adding fresh herbs like mint or parsley to brighten the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 267kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
