Mighty Satisfying Meatless Meal

Bulgur and Burrata with Grilled Okra and Roasted Tomatoes

Bulgur and Burrata with Grilled Okra and Roasted Tomatoes
Basil, Oregano, Mint, Lemon
Garlic Ginger Olive Oil, Aged Balsamic Vinegar
Grilled Lodge Bread

The fresh crisp okra was surprisingly popular at the farmers market last weekend, I just had to join in the frenzy. If you like the taste but are not a fan of the mucilaginous properties of okra, this preparation will be for you. Okra brushed with olive oil and cooked over high heat for a short amount of time results in a very tasty charred veggie with only the tiniest hint of its unappealing characteristic.

Bulgur is an ancient whole grain that makes a nice addition to our rotation of favorite grains like farro, quinoa, buckwheat, and oats. Red bulgur is hard red wheat that has been parboiled and cracked. Its chewy texture and nutty flavor adds to the satisfying qualities of this meatless meal. The “hard red wheat” is also the type used in the Lodge Bread. Hard red wheat has more protein than its white counterpart.

The tomatoes were plentiful and popular as always. I roast the cherry tomatoes in a 375°F oven with olive oil and balsamic for a half hour to really concentrate their sweetness.

And who can resist burrata cheese…a mix of mozzarella and cream, it’s simply heavenly. It was super-fresh, made the day before, also a product of the Torrance Farmers’ Market where they feature top quality products from over 60 California farms.

More market items – lemon, basil, oregano, and mint add the tangy and herbaceous qualities to the meal. The addition of finely minced garlic and ginger add a pop to the olive oil, while aged balsamic vinegar brings sweet mellow notes.

And it’s very difficult to leave the Farmers Market without a loaf of fabulous Lodge Bread. Here I brush slices of Seeded Country Loaf with olive oil and grill until semi-burnt. That burnt charcoal flavor inspired the wine, a Zinfandel.

Lodge Bread Seeded Country Loaf

Lodge Bread Seeded Country Loaf – this one is my favorite 85% whole grain hard red wheat, 6 types of seeds, malted barley, organic.

Meatless Meal Ingredients:

whole grain red bulgur – cooked and cooled to room temperature
basil
oregano
mint
grilled okra
oven roasted cherry tomatoes
burrata cheese
fruity extra virgin olive oil infused with finely minced garlic and ginger
aged balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper
lemon wedges
grilled bread

Mighty Satisfying Meatless Meal

Method:

Mix bulgur with some chopped basil, oregano, and mint. Scoop bulgur into center of plate. Arrange okra and tomatoes over the bulgur. Drizzle with garlic ginger olive oil and balsamic vinegar to soak into the bulgur. Sprinkle with some more fresh herbs. Season with kosher salt and plenty grinds of black pepper. Place a scoop of burrata on top. Season burrata with another drizzle of olive oil and pepper. Serve with lemon wedges and grilled bread. And wine.

How to Grill Okra

How To Grill Okra

Slice fresh firm okra lengthwise. Brush okra with olive oil. Grill cut-side-down over high heat until lightly charred. Flip and briefly cook the other side. Season with salt and pepper.