Vegan Jamaican Bulgur Wheat and Peas

I mentioned in my previous blog post on Jamaican Rice and Peas that this dish is guaranteed to be at every Jamaican/Caribbean family function – whether holiday parties, birthdays, other milestone gatherings, and most definitely apart of the spread on Sunday! However, there’s been a plot twist – sub the rice for Bulgur and ta-da! A healthier vegan alternative to the traditional rice dish! Just as delicious, just as yummy, same authentic taste and totally vegan!

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Recipe

A Healthier Alternative – if you want to enjoy classic rice and peas with less calories, and more fibre, bulgar wheat and peas is the answer.
Absolutely Delicious – I am big on enjoying your favourite cultural foods even when you have dietary restrictions, hence recipes like this! Continue to enjoy that island flavour you love with Caribbean herbs and spices.
Easy Instructions – the hardest part is having the patience to allow the beans to soak. The rest of the recipe is simple and straightforward. With a bit of planning ahead, this is a breeze!

What is Bulgur Wheat?

Bulgur wheat is a whole grain cracked wheat that’s been cleaned, parboiled, or partially cooked (so that it can be prepared relatively quickly) and dried. Bulgur, when compared to rice has:

fewer calories
less fat
twice the fibre
four times as much folate

It also helps support healthy digestion and gut health and is certainly a healthier alternative and substitute to rice and other high carb side dishes.

What You Need to Make Vegan Jamaican Bulgur Wheat and Peas

Medium Bowl – to soak the kidney beans in.
Large Stock Pot – to cook the rice in.

Ingredients and Ingredient Notes

Soaking Dried Red Kidney Beans

Dried Red Kidney Beans – this is what gives off the reddish tint and gives great flavour!
Escallion or Green Onion – a delicious base for many Jamaican dishes.
Garlic – crush it with the back of a knife for a more intense garlicky taste.
Thyme – this fresh herb adds depth of flavour.

Jamaican Bulgur Wheat and Peas

Scotch Bonnet Pepper – for some island spice.
Pimento Seeds (Whole Allspice Berries) – this is essential to Caribbean cuisine.
Seasoning Salt or Vegetable Bouillon – they provide a savory flavour.
Coconut Milk – this adds creaminess and also cooks the bulgur.
Bulgur – cook this grain on low heat.
Salt – to make the other flavours pop.

beans and aromatics in a bowl or water to soak.

How to Make Vegan Jamaican Bulgur Wheat and Peas

Rinse and Soak Red Kidney Beans – rinse beans and soak in a medium bowl with water, thyme, escallion and garlic. Soak overnight.
Boil Beans to Soften – bring to a boil, fresh water, scotch bonnet pepper, pimento seeds, salt and pour in bean mixture (including the bean water, which is now infused with flavour).
Add Coconut Milk – when beans are tender, stir in coconut milk, seasoning salt or vegetable bouillon and bring to a boil.
Add Bulgur Wheat – add bulgur then cover with lid and simmer over low heat.
Let Steam – remove from the heat, cover and let rest.
Fluff with Fork – using a fork, fluff the bulgur and beans. Serve while hot and enjoy!

Recipe Substitutions and Tips

Given that this recipe is itself a substitution for Jamaican rice and peas but I do have some alternative methods for preparing bulgur wheat and peas.

There are many methods used to tenderize dried red kidney beans, however, this recipe calls to soak beans overnight, then boil on the stovetop to soften them. Other methods for how to soak beans for vegan rice and peas include:

Pressure Cooker – pressure cook beans to soften, then continue with steps to finish the recipe.
Use Canned Red Kidney Beans – skips the steps needed to soften beans.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Serve vegan Jamaican bulgur wheat and peas as you would any other Jamaican rice and peas dish. Here are my top suggestions:

Chicken: This dish would pair well with some saucy, flavourful chicken. Try it with Jamaican Curry Chicken, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, or Jamaican Curry Chicken.
Beef: Serve vegan rice and peas with Jamaican Beef Patties, Jamaican Oxtails,
Seafood: For a balanced pescatarian meal, make bulgar rice and peas a side for Brown Stew Fish or Honey Jerk Shrimp.

Recipe Notes and Tips for Success

Be mindful of the liquid-to-bulgur ratio. To cook bulgur by boiling, generally, you will need 1 part bulgur to 2 parts water. Another way to measure this is, when you have added your bulgur to the pot, the liquid should be about an inch (roughly the first marking from the tip of your index finger) higher when the bulgur has settled. There should be more liquid than bulgur when first added to the pot.
It’s better to have less water and add more than to have too much and end up with mushy bulgur. You can always add more water if you’re finding that all the liquid has been absorbed but the bulgur is still not cooked.
Cook bulgur wheat on low heat. Once the bulgur has been added to the pot, only use a low heat setting; enough heat to keep the mixture at a very slight simmer.
If using Pure Creamed Coconut, break off 2 chunks to fill the middle of the hand – break off less than half the block if you’re using the Grace Brand.
Infuse the beans with garlic flavour as they soak. Use the back of a large chef/ butcher knife to crush the garlic and escallion.
Cook the beans evenly. Some beans are harder than others so if you see some floating to the top when boiling, add a tbsp or two of cold water to sink the beans. This will ensure all beans are evenly cooked through.

Can I Make Vegan Jamaican Bulgur Wheat and Peas Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make vegan Jamaican bulgur wheat and peas ahead of time. Allow the cooked rice and beans to completely cool before storing them in the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover bulgur wheat and peas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat it in the microwave for about 1-minute or until it is evenly warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is bulgur wheat healthier than rice?

As far as nutritional value, bulgur is a healthier option for rice lovers. It has more fibre and folate than brown rice.

What does bulgur rice taste like?

Bulgur rice has a light, nutty flavor and is slightly chewy when cooked.

Is bulgur a good replacement for rice?

Absolutely! Bulgur is similar to rice in both taste and texture.

Interested in more Jamaican Recipes? Check These Out!

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Vegan Jamaican Bulgur Wheat and Peas

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