Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce Recipe - Vegan Food from Turkey

Bulgur Spagetti Sauce

Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce Recipe - Vegan Food from Turkey
Region / culture: Turkey | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegan diet

Introduction

Bulgur Spagetti Sauce
Bulgur Spagetti Sauce

Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the rich flavors of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices with the nutty texture of bulgur. It is a great alternative to traditional meat-based spaghetti sauces and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

History

Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce is a modern twist on traditional spaghetti sauce recipes. Bulgur, a whole grain made from cracked wheat, adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more whole grains into your diet while still enjoying a classic comfort food.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. In a 3 qt (2.84 liter) pan, sauté the onion and garlic.
  2. Stir in the tomatoes, sauce, and spices.
  3. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
  4. Discard the bay leaf, then stir in the bulgur and serve it over your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash.

Variations

  • Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor.
  • Use different herbs and spices, such as basil or thyme, to customize the taste of the sauce.
  • For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan cheese and use a plant-based alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant to build a flavorful base for the sauce.

- Simmering the sauce for 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich taste.

- Feel free to customize the spices to suit your taste preferences. Add more oregano for a stronger herb flavor or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce over your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash for a satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes and spices helps to develop the flavors of the sauce. Simmering the sauce allows the ingredients to meld together and create a rich and savory dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bulgur on hand, you can substitute with cooked quinoa or brown rice.

- Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a brighter and fresher flavor.

- Swap out the bay leaf for a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme.

Make Ahead Tips

Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce in a large pasta bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Pair with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce contains approximately 200 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie meal option that is perfect for those watching their caloric intake.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The bulgur and tomato sauce provide a good source of complex carbohydrates, which are essential for energy production and overall health.

Fats

This recipe is low in fat, with only a small amount coming from the olive oil used for sautéing the onions and garlic. The majority of the fat in this dish comes from healthy unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

Proteins

Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce is a vegetarian dish that is moderate in protein. The bulgur provides a good source of plant-based protein, making this a satisfying and filling meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the tomatoes and onions. It also contains iron, potassium, and fiber from the bulgur, which are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat in the form of bulgur, so it is not suitable for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities. It is also important to check the labels of the canned tomatoes and sauce for any potential allergens.

Summary

Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce is a nutritious and balanced meal option that is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Summary

Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce is a delicious and nutritious meal option that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the rich flavors of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices combined with the nutty texture of bulgur for a satisfying and hearty dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Bulgur Spagetti Sauce. I was a young girl, visiting my aunt in the countryside. She was known for her delicious homemade meals, and I was always eager to learn from her. One afternoon, as we were preparing dinner together, she pulled out a worn, handwritten recipe card from her recipe box. It was for a unique twist on traditional spaghetti sauce, using bulgur as a secret ingredient.

As my aunt guided me through the steps of making the sauce, I was fascinated by the way the bulgur added a hearty texture and nutty flavor to the dish. She explained that bulgur was a common ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, and that it was a great way to add nutrition and depth to a simple tomato sauce. I was eager to learn more, so I asked her where she had learned the recipe.

My aunt smiled as she reminisced about her travels to Turkey, where she had first tasted this dish. She told me about a kind old woman she had met in a small village, who had generously shared her family recipe with her. My aunt had adapted the recipe over the years, adding her own twists and techniques to make it her own. She encouraged me to do the same, reminding me that cooking was all about creativity and experimentation.

After that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce. I begged my aunt to teach me how to make it again, and I practiced tirelessly in my own kitchen until I had perfected the recipe. Over the years, I have continued to make this dish for my family and friends, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

As I grew older and my passion for cooking deepened, I began to seek out new recipes and techniques from all corners of the world. I traveled to Italy, France, India, and beyond, learning from local chefs and home cooks alike. Everywhere I went, I would ask for their favorite recipes and secrets, adding them to my ever-growing collection.

One day, while browsing through a dusty old cookbook at a flea market, I stumbled upon a recipe that caught my eye. It was for a Bulgur Spaghetti Sauce, similar to the one my aunt had taught me all those years ago. Excited to try a new version of the dish, I purchased the cookbook and hurried home to test it out.

The recipe called for a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, which gave the sauce a rich and complex flavor. It also included fresh herbs like parsley and mint, which added a bright, refreshing finish to the dish. As I tasted the sauce simmering on the stove, I was transported back to my aunt's kitchen, feeling a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for all the knowledge she had passed down to me.

I have since shared this recipe with many others, always with a sense of pride and joy. Each time I make it, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past, to different cultures, and to each other. Cooking has become more than just a hobby for me – it is a way of preserving traditions, creating memories, and spreading love.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that has led me to this moment, I am grateful for all the recipes, stories, and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And I know that as long as I continue to cook with passion, curiosity, and an open heart, there will always be new recipes waiting to be discovered, shared, and enjoyed.

Categories

| Better Digestion Recipes | Bulgur Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Onion Recipes | Oregano Recipes | Spaghetti Sauce Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Tomato Sauce Recipes | Turkish Recipes | Vegan Recipes |

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