Bulgur is a super easy to prepare grain that boasts a multitude of nutritional benefits.

If you’re looking for anew grainto add to your weekly repertoire, look no further.

Keep reading to learn more about this fuss-free, easy-to-prepare, and super-accessible grain that’s a pantry must-have.

Andrea Jordan

What is bulgur?

As for taste, you could expect a mild nutty flavor.

Bulgur works as a great side dish to a variety of meals (more on that below).

Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN

The consistency is similar to that of quinoa: slightly chewy and soft.

Plus it’s relatively inexpensive, too.

What’s the difference between bulgur and cracked wheat?

The two grains often get mistaken for the other (which is understandable).

Cracked wheat is a whole grain made by grinding wheat berries into coarse particles.

So yes, this food is full of nutritional value.

More specifically1 cup of cooked bulgur provides1:

Mathis also notes that bulgur is considered awhole grain.

But how you cook bulgur depends on whether you have fine or course groats.

If you have fine groats, you simply have to soak it to rehydrate them.

“As the bulgur sits, the grains will absorb the water and become tender.”

Course groats need to be boiled on the stovetop.

For every 1 cup of coarse bulgur, bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil.

Add in the groats and wait for the liquid to bubble again.

Let it stand for a bit before enjoying.

Either way, this healthy food is ready to consume in less than 20 minutes.

If this is your first foray into cooking the grain, try thisbulgur and parsley saladrecipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bulgar gluten free?

Because bulgur is made from wheat, thisgrain is not gluten-free.

Is bulgar healthier than quinoa?

Both experts agree that quinoa and bulgur are healthy options but offer different nutritional perks.

“Quinoacontains more protein than bulgur, but bulgur offers more fiber,” Gorin says.

Ultimately, both are great options to add to any mealit really comes down to your dietary preference.

Is bulgar healthier than rice?

If you’re choosing between bulgur and rice, bulgur is definitely more nutritionally dense.

It contains a higher amount of nutrients like fiber and protein, Mathis says.

Otherwise, enjoy the protein,fiber, and minerals this staple grain has to offer.