Toasted Corn and Bulgur Salad

Toasted Corn and Bulgur Salad Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Make

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Toasted Corn and Bulgur Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for a summer meal or as a side dish for a barbecue. The combination of toasted bulgur, fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, and scallions creates a flavorful and satisfying salad that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Bulgur is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and has been used for centuries in dishes like tabbouleh. This recipe takes a modern twist on traditional bulgur salads by adding toasted corn and cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor and color.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of dry bulgur
0.33 cup of water
1 tsp of salt
1 cup of fresh corn cut from ears
1 tbsp of olive oil
1 pt (473 ml) of halved cherry tomatoes
0.33 cup of chopped scallions
2 tbsp of red wine vinegar
1 tsp of pepper

How to prepare

In a large heavy dry skillet, toast the bulgur over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly browned.
Add water and salt, and bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it stand covered for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bulgur to a bowl and cool it in the refrigerator.
Sauté the corn in oil in a heavy skillet for 7 minutes.
Let it cool.
Add the corn, tomatoes, scallions, vinegar, and pepper to the bulgur.
Toss lightly and chill before serving.

Variations

You can customize this salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Toasting the bulgur before cooking adds a nutty flavor and helps to enhance the texture of the salad. Make sure to cook the bulgur until it is tender but still slightly chewy for the best results. Sautéing the corn in olive oil brings out its natural sweetness and adds a delicious caramelized flavor to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal. It also makes a great addition to a picnic or potluck spread.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the bulgur adds a depth of flavor to the salad, while sautéing the corn brings out its natural sweetness. Make sure to cook the bulgur until it is tender but still slightly chewy for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute quinoa or couscous for the bulgur if desired. You can also use frozen corn kernels instead of fresh corn.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just toss it lightly before serving to refresh the flavors.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful presentation. Serve it in a large bowl or on a platter for a stunning display.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 200

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g

Fats

Total Fat: 4g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Proteins

Protein: 5g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 15mg

Iron: 1mg

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bulgur. It may also contain traces of soy from the olive oil.

Summary

This Toasted Corn and Bulgur Salad is a healthy and balanced dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a light and nutritious meal.

Summary

This Toasted Corn and Bulgur Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a summer meal or as a side dish for a barbecue. With its flavorful combination of toasted bulgur, fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, and scallions, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Toasted Corn and Bulgur Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a visit to my friend Evelyn's house. She had served this delicious salad as a side dish, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. I immediately asked her for the recipe, and she gladly obliged.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures in the salad. The toasted corn added a smoky sweetness, while the bulgur added a hearty chewiness. The fresh herbs and vegetables brought a burst of freshness to the dish, making it the perfect summer salad.

I knew I had to make this salad for my family, so I set out to gather all the ingredients. I went to the local farmer's market to pick up some fresh corn, tomatoes, and herbs. I also stopped by the health food store to grab some bulgur and a few other specialty items.

When I got home, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I shucked the corn and cut the kernels off the cob, then spread them out on a baking sheet to toast in the oven. The aroma of the corn filling the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

While the corn was toasting, I prepared the bulgur according to the package instructions. I boiled some water, added the bulgur, and let it simmer until it was tender. Once the bulgur was cooked, I fluffed it with a fork and set it aside to cool.

Next, I chopped up some tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion to add to the salad. I also minced some fresh parsley and cilantro to give the salad a burst of herbaceous flavor. I mixed everything together in a large bowl and added a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Finally, I added the toasted corn and bulgur to the salad and gave it a good toss to combine all the flavors. The salad looked vibrant and colorful, with the golden corn kernels shining like little nuggets of sunshine.

I couldn't wait to dig in, so I served up a generous portion for myself and my family. With the first bite, I was transported back to Evelyn's kitchen, where I first tasted this amazing salad. The combination of flavors and textures was even better than I remembered, and I knew I had found a new favorite recipe.

Since that day, I have made this Toasted Corn and Bulgur Salad countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. It has become a signature dish of mine, and I love sharing it with others.

Every time I make this salad, I think back to that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe. It reminds me of the joy of cooking and sharing good food with loved ones. And it reaffirms my belief that the best recipes are those that bring people together and create lasting memories.