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Spicy Harissa Bulgur & Black Chickpea Salad – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Spicy Harissa Bulgur & Black Chickpea Salad

A powerhouse of flavor, texture, and nutrition, this Spicy Harissa Bulgur & Black Chickpea Salad combines nutty bulgur, earthy black chickpeas, fresh herbs, and a fiery harissa-lemon vinaigrette. It's satisfying, endlessly versatile, and perfect for meal prep!
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 serving
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup (240 ml) dried black kabuli chickpeas (or regular chickpeas)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) bulgur
  • 4 green onions or scallions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) (4.1 fl oz) drained and diced roasted red bell peppers
  • ½ cup (120 ml) (4.1 fl oz) finely chopped fresh mint
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chopped parsley
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) (2 fl oz) pitted and chopped kalamata olives
  • Juice of 1½ lemons
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1½ tsp / 7.5 ml (0.3 fl oz) ground cumin
  • 2 heaping tsp / 10-11 ml (0.4 fl oz) harissa or fresh chili paste
  • ¾ tsp (3.75 ml) (0.1 fl oz) sea salt
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) (0.1 fl oz) freshly ground black pepper
  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the dry bulgur in a saucepan for 2-3 minutes before adding water to cook it.
  • This salad is fantastic for meal prep! The flavors meld and deepen overnight. For maximum freshness, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
  • Feel free to customize! Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch, or crumble in some vegetarian feta for a creamy, salty bite.
  • Harissa pastes vary in spiciness. Start with a smaller amount, taste the dressing, and add more until you reach your desired heat level.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chickpeas using the quick-soak method: Add dried chickpeas to a saucepan and cover with at least two inches of water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then cover, remove from heat, and let stand for 1 hour.
  3. Drain, rinse, cover with fresh water, and simmer for about 30 minutes until tender but not mushy.
  4. Drain well. (Alternatively, soak chickpeas overnight in the fridge).
  5. While the chickpeas are cooking, prepare the bulgur according to the directions on the package. Fluff with a fork once cooked.
  6. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked chickpeas, bulgur, sliced green onions, roasted red peppers, fresh mint, parsley, and kalamata olives.
  7. In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, ground cumin, harissa, sea salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  8. Pour the dressing over the bulgur and chickpea mixture.
  9. Toss everything together until well combined.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lemon juice for brightness or harissa for heat.
  11. Serve immediately while warm, or allow to cool to room temperature. This salad is also delicious served chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 10gFat: 6g

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