Bulgur

Bulgur (also bulghur or burghul)(from Turkish bulgur , known as πλιγούρι, pligoúri, in Greek and as burghul (برغل) in Arabic) is a cereal food made from several different wheat species, but most often from durum wheat.

Key attributes

The key attributes of traditional bulgur production are that the grain is parboiled, dried (usually by spreading in the sun), and the bran removed; significantly, it is processed from germinated grain, thus altering the glycemic index and nutritional values of simple wheat. Bulgur is often confused with cracked wheat, which is made from crushed wheat grains which have not been germinated nor parboiled. Although traditionally de-branned, bulgur and cracked wheat products available in shops may or may not have had their bran removed. Thus there are whole-grain, high-fiber versions of each. Bulgur is most often found in Turkish, Middle Eastern, Indian and Mediterranean dishes mainly Greece, Lebanon, Syria and Cyprus. It has a light and nutty flavor.

Bulgur can be used in pilafs, soups, bakery goods, or as stuffing, but is best known as a main ingredient in tabbouleh salad and kibbeh. Its higher nutritional value makes it a good substitute for rice or couscous. In Indian cuisine, bulgur or daliya is also used as a cereal with milk and sugar.

In Turkey, as well as pilaf, a variety of mezes and main dishes are prepared with bulgur such as çiğ köfte, içli köfte, kısır and ezogelin soup. In Cyprus it is used to make koupes, a variety of kibbeh.

Nutrition facts

Bulgur is more nutritious than rice and couscous. Bulgur has a glycemic index of 46.

100 grams unprepared bulgur contains approximately:

• Energy: 1500 kJ (360 kcal)
• Dietary fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 12.5 g
• Carbohydrate: 69 g whereof 0.8 g sugars
• Fat: 1.75 g whereof 0.2 g saturated fat
• Potassium: 410mg

See also

• Einkorn wheat
• Vegetarian cuisine

References

External links