Name: Instant Pot Bulgur with Chickpeas, Spinach, and Za'atar
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , divided; 1 onion, chopped fine; ½ teaspoon table salt; 3 garlic cloves , minced; 2 tablespoons za'atar , divided; 1 cup medium-grind bulgur , rinsed; 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas , rinsed; 1½ cups water; 5 ounces (5 cups) baby spinach , chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice , plus lemon wedges for serving

Why This Recipe Works

Hearty bulgur, creamy, nutty chickpeas, and fresh spinach come together in this side dish or light main, with a boost from the aromatic eastern Mediterranean spice blend za'atar, with its fragrant wild herbs, toasted sesame seeds, and tangy sumac. Fluffing the bulgur straight after cooking and then letting it sit was crucial to achieving perfectly cooked grains that weren't soggy: Agitating the grains and putting a towel under the lid allowed excess moisture in the pot to be absorbed. We used the residual heat from the bulgur to wilt baby spinach gently without turning it gummy. When shopping, don't confuse bulgur with cracked wheat, which has a much longer cooking time and will not work in this recipe.

Before You Begin

We like to use our homemade Za'atar, but you can substitute store-bought.

Instructions

Using highest sauté function, heat 2 tablespoons oil in Instant Pot until shimmering. Add onion and salt and cook until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and 1 tablespoon za'atar and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in bulgur, chickpeas, and water.

Lock lid in place and close pressure release valve. Select high pressure cook function and cook for 1 minute. Turn off Instant Pot and quick-release pressure. Carefully remove lid, allowing steam to escape away from you.

Gently fluff bulgur with fork. Lay clean dish towel over pot, replace lid, and let sit for 5 minutes. Add spinach, lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon za'atar, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with lemon wedges.