Ingredients

• 1 c. fine- or medium-grain bulgur
• 1/2 c. chopped dried apricots
• 1 c. boiling water
• 1 c. chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint
• 1/2 c. shelled chopped pistachios
• 1/3 c. olive or pistachio oil
• 3 tbsp. orange juice or white wine vinegar
• 1/4 c. minced red onion
• 2 tbsp. thinly sliced green onion
• 3/4 tsp. coarse salt
• 1/4 tsp. fresh ground pepper

Preparation

Combine bulgur and apricots in a bowl. Add boiling water and let stand 30 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Add remaining ingredients and toss gently to mix.

Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2/3 cup pine nuts (3 1/2 oz)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
• 1 cup coarse bulgur (5 1/2 oz)
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1/2 cup dried apricots (preferably California; 3 oz), finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 oz feta, coarsely crumbled (3/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preparation

Heat oil in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook pine nuts, stirring constantly, until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.

Add onion to pan, then reduce heat to moderately low and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 6 minutes. Add bulgur and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in water, apricots, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Remove pan from heat and let stand, covered, until bulgur is tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in nuts, feta, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.

[CP: Note that while this calls itself a dressing, it is also a great bulgur side dish.]

Gourmet, November 2005

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup bulgur
• 1 cup frozen, thawed cooked baby shrimp, well drained (about 4 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons sliced pitted green olives
• 4 large grape tomatoes, sliced
• 1 scallion, trimmed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced Italian parsley
• 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Bring 1/2 cup water to boiling in a small pot. Stir in bulgur. Cover, remove from heat and let stand 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and bulgur is chewy, not hard. Spoon into a large salad bowl and set aside to cool. Add shrimp, olives, tomatoes, scallion and parsley to bulgur. Stir well. Combine vinegar, oil and cumin in a small cup. Pour over salad. Toss gently but well. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside 10 minutes for flavors to blend.

Chicago Tribune