
Express cumin carrot bulgur with golden halloumi, spinach and lemon
A quick and original dish of tender bulgur cooked with grated carrot, cumin, and garlic, finished with fresh spinach, pan-seared halloumi, and a bright touch of lemon. Ideal for a complete meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 180 g medium bulgur (enjuagado si es necesario)
- 420 ml water (for cocer the bulgur)
- 150 g grated carrot (grated grueso)
- 225 g halloumi cheese (cut en bastones or cubes)
- 60 g fresh spinach (lavada)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped fino)
- 80 g red onion (chopped fina)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 4 g ground cumin
- 2 g sweet paprika
- 5 g vegetable bouillon powder or concentrate (optional, for more sabor)
- 1 unit lemon (zest fina and 2 tbsp of zumo)
- 10 g fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 g black pepper (or to taste)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Heat a wide skillet or shallow pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the red onion and cook for 2 minutes until it starts to soften.
- 2
2. Add the garlic, grated carrot, ground cumin, and sweet paprika. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the carrot softens slightly and the spices become fragrant.
- 3
3. Add the bulgur and stir for 30 seconds to coat it well with the aromatic base. Pour in the water and the vegetable bouillon powder or concentrate. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
- 4
4. Meanwhile, pat the halloumi dry with paper towels. Heat another nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the halloumi for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply golden. If you prefer to use an oven or air fryer, cook it at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
- 5
5. Uncover the bulgur and add the fresh spinach, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust with more pepper if desired.
- 6
6. Divide the carrot bulgur among plates, top with the golden halloumi, and finish with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
- 7
7. If you want a fluffier texture, let the bulgur rest covered for 2 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving with the halloumi and parsley.
Chef tips
Grate the carrot on the coarse side of the grater so it keeps some texture. Dry the halloumi well before searing for better color and less steaming.
Substitutions
You can swap the parsley for cilantro or mint. If you do not have red onion, use white onion. Halloumi can be replaced with firm panela-style cheese, though the result will be less salty and less springy.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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