Apple and Bulgur Porridge

TASTIER

VEGETARIAN

Makes 6 servings

This one’s got all the flavors of apple cake. Notice that the recipe calls for “regular” bulgur, not quick-cooking or instant. Because the slow cooker works so efficiently over such a long period of time, the more nutritious, standard bulgur will soften yet retain a great deal of its wheaty flavor.

3 large sweet apples, such as Gala, peeled, cored, and chopped

2½ cups water

2 cups whole or low-fat milk

1 cup regular bulgur

⅔ cup chopped pecans

⅓ cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon table salt

Unsalted butter for serving, optional

Heavy cream for serving, optional

1. Stir the apples, water, milk, bulgur, pecans, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a 4-quart slow cooker until the brown sugar dissolves.

2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. The porridge can stay on the keep-warm setting for up to 2 hours longer.

3. Stir well and dish up into bowls. If desired, top each serving with a pat of butter and a drizzle of cream.