Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Bulgur Pilaf with Almonds and Cranberries recipe—perfect for adding a touch of wholesome elegance to any meal. This hearty, Mediterranean-inspired dish combines the nutty, chewy texture of bulgur wheat with the crunch of toasted slivered almonds and the sweet-tart burst of dried cranberries. Aromatic spices like cinnamon and cumin lend a warm, earthy flavor, while a finishing touch of fresh parsley adds brightness and color. Cooked in savory vegetable broth for depth, this easy-to-make pilaf comes together in just 30 minutes and is both vegan-friendly and nutrient-packed. Serve this as a flavorful accompaniment to roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, or as a light vegetarian main course.
Rinse the bulgur wheat in a fine mesh sieve under cold water and drain well.
In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the slivered almonds to the pan and toast them for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Stir in the bulgur wheat and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the grains to toast slightly.
Add the vegetable broth, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the bulgur is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently fluff the bulgur with a fork.
Stir in the dried cranberries and let the pilaf sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the cranberries to soften.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Calories |
1515 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.8 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2357 mg | 102% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 226.0 g | 82% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 49.7 g | 178% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.3 g | ||
| Protein | 42.2 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 295 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 2218 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.