cracked wheat makes an excellent alternative to rice or pasta.
ingredients
serves 6
1 small green pepper
1 cup cracked wheat
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1/3 cup flaked almonds, toasted
grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
2 seedless oranges
salt and black pepper
mint sprigs, to garnish
method
1. Using a sharp vegetable knife, carefully halve and seed the green pepper. Cut it on a board into small cubes and put to one side.
2. Place the cracked wheat in a saucepan and add the water. Bring to the boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer for 10 - 15 minutes until tender, Alternatively, place the cracked wheat in a heatproof bowl, pour over boiling water and leave to soak for 30 minutes Most, if not all, of the water should be absorbed; drain off any excess.
3. Toss the cracked wheat with the cucumber, green pepper, mint and toasted almonds in a serving bowl. Add the grated lemon rind and juice.
4. Cut the rind from the oranges, then working over the bowl to catch the juice, cut the oranges into neat segments. Add to the bulgur mixture, then season and toss lightly. Garnish with the mint sprigs.
