Image Source from ajsargent

How to Cook Bulgur in an Instant Pot: A Vegan-Friendly Guide

Bulgur is a versatile and nutritious grain that is often found in various cuisines, particularly in Middle Eastern dishes. Its nutty flavour and chewy texture make it a fantastic addition to salads, sides, or even as a base for hearty mains. Cooking bulgur traditionally can take some time, but with an Instant Pot, you can prepare this wholesome grain quickly and effortlessly. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to cook bulgur in an Instant Pot, all while keeping it vegan-friendly.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients and tools:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bulgur (fine or medium, depending on your preference)
• 1.5 cups water or vegetable broth (for added flavour)
• A splash of olive oil (optional)
• Salt to taste (optional)

Tools:

• Instant Pot
• Measuring cups
• Mixing spoon
• Serving bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rinse the Bulgur

Although bulgur is usually pre-cooked, it’s a good idea to rinse it to remove any dust or impurities. Place your bulgur in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water for a minute. This step not only enhances cleanliness but also helps to soften the grains.

2. Prepare the Instant Pot

Plug in your Instant Pot and set it to the ‘Sauté’ function. If you’d like to add extra flavour, drizzle in a splash of olive oil and allow it to heat up for a minute. This step is optional but recommended if you want an added depth of flavour.

3. Add the Ingredients

Once your Instant Pot is heated, add the rinsed bulgur. Stir it for a minute to allow it to toast slightly in the oil (if used). This adds a lovely nuttiness to the final dish. Next, pour in the water or vegetable broth, and add salt to taste if desired.

4. Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the cooking time to 12 minutes for medium bulgur or 8 minutes for fine bulgur.

5. Natural Release

Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, you can carefully turn the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining steam.

6. Fluff and Serve

Open the lid carefully, and using a fork, fluff the bulgur grains to separate them. If there is excess liquid, you can allow it to sit for a minute or two with the lid on to absorb. Your bulgur is now ready to be served!

Serving Suggestions

Bulgur is highly adaptable, making it the perfect base for a variety of vegan-friendly dishes:

• Salads: Toss bulgur with diced vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing salad, reminiscent of tabbouleh.
• Bowls: Serve bulgur as a base for grain bowls topped with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a dollop of hummus.
• Stuffed Peppers: Combine bulgur with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and spices, stuff into bell peppers, and bake for a hearty meal.
• Soups: Add cooked bulgur to soups or stews for added texture and nutrients.

Conclusion

Cooking bulgur in an Instant Pot is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this wholesome grain. With minimal prep and an easy clean-up, it’s ideal for busy weekdays or when you want to impress friends with a delicious vegan meal. So next time you’re in the mood for something nutritious and satisfying, don’t hesitate to whip out your Instant Pot and give bulgur a try. Happy cooking!

No items listed in the response.