Skip to main content

Bulgur "risotto" with Spinach and Bacon

3.6

(10)

Who knew bulgur could be such a great substitute for rice in risotto? And without all that stirring. No, bulgur won’t replace Arborio rice anytime soon—but you’ll be surprised at how good it can be.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    35 min

  • Yield

    Makes 2 or 3 (main course) servings

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup coarse (No. 3) bulgur
2 cups chicken broth
1 3/4 cups water
1/4 pound sliced bacon, chopped
6 cups baby spinach (4 ounces), trimmed
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook onion in oil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until softened. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds.

    Step 2

    Add bulgur, broth, and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until bulgur is tender and creamy (like risotto), about 20 minutes.

    Step 3

    While bulgur is simmering, cook bacon in a skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until crisp, then drain on paper towels.

    Step 4

    Stir spinach into bulgur until wilted, then stir in parmesan, half of bacon, and salt and pepper to taste.

    Step 5

    Serve "risotto" sprinkled with remaining bacon.

Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.