Next time you want to entertain guest for a summer cookout, instead of the same old burgers and hot dogs, why not try something with a little more flair? This month, I'm offering you a special menu of Middle Eastern inspired dishes that appeal to a broad audience and still add a twist to the event.
There will be a few ingredients that you will need to get that you might not regularly stock. Among them are bulgur and fresh mint. Most large grocery stores will stock both of them year round. And please choose the freshest vegetables you can find for the mixed grilled vegetables and you'll be looking at a feast fit for your finest summer gathering! This menu serves eight comfortably, but you can halve or double the recipes easily. To round out the menu, consider making hummus and serving it all with soft pita bread and a nice crisp wine. Summer is a wonderful thing!
Combine the water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer (do not boil). Keep the water warm over low heat.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add the green onions; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the bulgur; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the warm salted water, 1 cup at a time, stirring frequently until each portion of the warm salted water is absorbed before adding the next (about 20 minutes total). Remove from the heat. Add the spinach, mint and lemon juice; stir until the spinach wilts. Keep warm.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, and shrimp; sauté for 2 minutes or until the shrimp are done. Arrange shrimp evenly over the top of the bulgur mixture and serve.
Next time you want to entertain guest for a summer cookout, instead of the same old burgers and hot dogs, why not try something with a little more flair? This month, I'm offering you a special menu of Middle Eastern inspired dishes that appeal to a broad audience and still add a twist to the event.
There will be a few ingredients that you will need to get that you might not regularly stock. Among them are bulgur and fresh mint. Most large grocery stores will stock both of them year round. And please choose the freshest vegetables you can find for the mixed grilled vegetables and you'll be looking at a feast fit for your finest summer gathering! This menu serves eight comfortably, but you can halve or double the recipes easily. To round out the menu, consider making