Bulgur Recipes Indian Style: Easy and Delicious Ideas

Bulgur, a wholesome and nutritious cracked wheat, has found its delightful place in Indian cuisine, offering a versatile base for many delicious recipes. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it an excellent alternative to rice or other grains.

Indian bulgur recipes combine aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and sometimes legumes or nuts to create hearty meals that are both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or a protein-packed side dish, bulgur can be your go-to ingredient.

In this post, we’ll explore some popular Indian bulgur recipes that are easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for all skill levels in the kitchen.

From the classic Indian-style bulgur upma to the vibrant bulgur pulao and nutritious bulgur khichdi, these recipes showcase the best of Indian culinary traditions married beautifully with bulgur. Plus, these dishes are great for meal prep, packed with fiber, and naturally gluten-free if you choose the right bulgur type.

Get ready to add these wholesome recipes to your cooking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Indian bulgur recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that’s easy to cook and absorbs flavors beautifully. These recipes are:

• Healthy and wholesome — Bulgur is rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
• Quick and easy — Most recipes take under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Flavor-packed — Indian spices and fresh ingredients turn bulgur into a comforting, aromatic dish.
• Versatile — Great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish.
• Budget-friendly — Bulgur is affordable and stretches well, feeding many with minimal cost.

Ingredients

For Indian Bulgur Upma

• 1 cup bulgur wheat (medium or coarse)
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 1 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of half a lemon (optional)

For Bulgur Pulao

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 2-3 green cardamoms
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• Chopped fresh coriander for garnish

For Bulgur Khichdi

• 1/2 cup bulgur wheat
• 1/2 cup moong dal (yellow split mung beans)
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups water
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Equipment

• Medium-sized saucepan with lid
• Frying pan or skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and chopping board
• Colander or sieve (for rinsing bulgur)
• Bowl for soaking (optional)

Instructions

Indian Bulgur Upma

1. Rinse the bulgur thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add urad dal and chana dal, fry until golden brown.
4. Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
5. Add the mixed vegetables and stir well. Cook for 3-4 minutes until veggies soften slightly.
6. Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt, mix to coat the vegetables evenly.
7. Add the rinsed bulgur and stir gently for 2 minutes, letting it toast slightly.
8. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
9. Cover and simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes or until bulgur is cooked and water is absorbed.
10. Turn off heat, fluff the upma with a fork, garnish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
11. Serve hot with coconut chutney or yogurt.

Bulgur Pulao

1. Rinse and soak bulgur in water for 15 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
3. Add whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
5. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
6. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
7. Add mixed vegetables, cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in soaked bulgur and garam masala, mix well.
9. Add vegetable broth or water and salt, bring to boil.
10. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until bulgur absorbs the liquid and vegetables are tender.
11. Turn off heat, fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve warm.

Bulgur Khichdi

1. Rinse bulgur and moong dal together until water runs clear.
2. Heat ghee in a pressure cooker or pot, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add chopped green chilies and turmeric powder, sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add rinsed bulgur and moong dal, stir well.
6. Add water and salt, stir to mix.
7. If using pressure cooker, cook for 2-3 whistles. If using a pot, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until grains and dal are soft.
8. Check consistency and add more water if needed, cook until desired texture is reached.
9. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot with yogurt or pickle.

Tips & Variations

Soaking bulgur before cooking reduces cooking time and results in a fluffier texture.

For a vegan twist, replace ghee with vegetable oil or coconut oil.

Add nuts like cashews or peanuts roasted lightly for extra crunch and flavor.

Try adding different vegetables based on seasonality – bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach work wonderfully.

For a spicier dish, increase green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder.

Substitute bulgur with quinoa or cracked wheat for a different texture but similar taste.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Indian bulgur dishes are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• Serve bulgur upma hot with coconut chutney or a dollop of yogurt for breakfast or light dinner.
• Bulgur pulao pairs wonderfully with raita (yogurt-based side) or a simple cucumber salad.
• Enjoy bulgur khichdi as a comforting one-pot meal, perfect with pickle and papad (crispy lentil wafers).
• Use leftover bulgur pulao as stuffing for bell peppers or in wraps for a quick lunch.
• Combine bulgur upma with a side of fresh fruit or a glass of spiced buttermilk for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Incorporating bulgur into Indian recipes offers a delightful way to enjoy nutritious and flavorful meals with minimal fuss. These recipes highlight the perfect harmony of wholesome grains and traditional Indian spices, creating dishes that are both comforting and nourishing.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, these bulgur recipes are simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and adaptable to your taste preferences. By experimenting with these dishes, you’ll discover new favorites that bring variety and health benefits to your daily meals.

For more delicious and easy recipes, check out our Dassana Veg Recipes, Best Indian Vegetarian Starter Recipes, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious. Happy cooking and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Indian bulgur dishes!

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