¾ cup (6 ounces) water
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (4 ¾ ounces) bulgur
½ cup (2 ½ ounces) diced dried apricots
½ cup (2 ½ ounces) dried cranberries
2 tablespoons (¾ ounce) sesame seeds
½ cup (1 ⅞ ounces) grated carrots
Dressing:
1 tablespoon orange zest (above) or a scant ⅛ teaspoon orange oil
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) lemon juice
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) orange juice
2 tablespoons (⅞ ounce) olive oil
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
Garnish:
½ cup (2 ounces) toasted chopped pecans
½ cup (2 ⅓ ounces) toasted sunflower seeds
Instructions:
1. Mix the water and salt, and bring to a boil. Add the bulgur and boil for 1 minute. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes. Uncover the pan; if the water hasn’t been absorbed, bring back to a boil and cook for several minutes, until the mixture is no longer soupy. Stir in the dried fruits, and set aside to cool.
3. Stir together all of the dressing ingredients. Stir the dressing into the bulgur wheat mixture, then add the sesame seeds and grated carrots.
3. Refrigerate for several hours, to allow the flavors to blend. Just before serving, stir in the toasted pecans and sunflower seeds.