Bourghal (also known as burghul, bourghul or bulgur) is a form of cracked wheat or groats often used in Middle Eastern or Lebanese cuisine. The grain is parboiled, dried and then ‘cracked’ or ground prior to being sold. Some of the husk or brain of wheat is removed during the grinding. It has grainy texture similar to couscous and a slight nutty taste. A low FODMAP serve (¼ cup per serve) of bourghal can contribute to a source of wholegrain.
| FODMAP RATING | |
|---|---|
| Bourghal - 1 serve (1/2 cup, cooked; 88g) | HIGH |
| Bourghal – ½ serve (1/4 cup, cooked; 44g) | LOW |
As bourghal has been parboiled, cooking this grain is relatively quick and easy. For tasty, 'instant' bourghal, add 2 cups boiling stock to 1 cup bourghal in a large bowl, cover and sit for 1 hour. You can then add this to a salad, as a good basis for a tabouleh or pilaf recipe or as a side dish instead of couscous. In one full serving size it contains high amounts of oligos and intake should be avoided if you malabsorb oligos.
