Whole Grain Wednesdays- Bulgur With Celery & Sage

Happy Wednesday everyone!  Can you believe that it is June already?  Since the weather report is calling for hot temperatures today, I thought I would post a recipe that does not involve turning on your oven. This is a quick recipe that will have you out of the kitchen in no time!  It is popular with my kids since it has the same flavorings as one of their favorite foods- bread stuffing.

If you haven't tried bulgur yet, you should give it a try.  It has a delicious, almost nutty flavor, and a nice chewy consistency.  You can find bulgur at your local grocery store or at any of the natural food stores (Sunflower, Sprouts, Whole Foods, etc.).  Bulgur comes in several different grinds- usually fine, medium and coarse.  I prefer to use the medium grind in this recipe, as I find the coarse a little too rough, but use whatever type you like the best.

Bulgur with Celery and Sage
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup medium bulgur
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 3/4 cups vegetable broth. low-sodium if possible

Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.  Add all of the ingredients except the broth (bulgur, onions, celery, garlic, sage, and thyme) and saute for 5-8 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. 

Stir in the broth and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.  Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the bulgur is tender but chewy.

Crediting information:  Makes 12 servings.  Each serving creditable for 1 bread/bread alternate at any meal or snack for 3-5 year old children.