Bulghur basics

As health-minded customers demand

Bulghur is actually cracked wheat that has been parboiled before packaging, so it cooks up quickly-in about 15 minutes. From the nutrition angle, it provides fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates. Taste-wise, it imparts a rich nuttiness that can punch up the flavor profile without adding fat to waffles, pancakes, baked goods or salads.

The best-known use for bulghur is as the basis for Middle Eastern tabbouleh, a pungent side dish or vegetarian entree packed with fresh vegetables (including green onions, green pepper, cucumber, tomatoes and parsley), and flavored with gar-- lic, lemon juice, salt and olive oil.