Bulgur with Chorizo and Chickpeas – Flavors of Seville on Your Plate

A delicious dish combining coarse bulgur, tender chickpeas, and the smoky, spicy aroma of chorizo. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Seville, this recipe is perfect for a hearty meal and can easily be adapted for a vegetarian or vegan diet by swapping chorizo oil for a smoky paprika oil.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min
🍳 Cook Time: 30 min
🍽️ Servings: 5

Ingredients

200 g coarse bulgur
250 g cooked chickpeas (or canned, well drained)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
½ red kapia pepper, diced
½ green kapia pepper, diced
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp olive oil
3-4 sprigs fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the chorizo oil:

100 g chorizo, cut into pieces
200 ml neutral oil (olive or other neutral-flavored oil)
1 bay leaf

Instructions

Make the Chorizo Oil
In a blender, pulse chorizo pieces with the oil until chorizo breaks into small bits. Transfer mixture with bay leaf to a small pan and gently warm over low heat until the oil is infused with chorizo flavor. Cool and store in a jar with a lid in the fridge. Optional: strain for a smoother oil. Keeps about a week and adds rich flavor to many dishes.
Cook the Bulgur
Boil bulgur in salted water for 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and season with salt to taste.
Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a wide pan and sauté the onion and diced peppers over low heat, seasoning with salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but not browned (15–20 minutes). Stir in oregano at the end.
Fry the Chickpeas in Chorizo Oil
Add 1 tablespoon of chorizo oil to the pan with chickpeas. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté for a few minutes until warmed through.
Combine and Serve
Mix bulgur, sautéed vegetables, and chickpeas with the chorizo oil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in fresh parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature as a hearty side or main dish with chicken, pork, or fish.

💡 Tips

For a vegan/vegetarian option, skip the chorizo oil and sauté chickpeas in olive oil flavored with a pinch of sweet paprika and smoked paprika.
Prepare extra chorizo oil for use as a versatile condiment in salads, soups, and eggs.
Use coarse bulgur for a firm, satisfying texture that holds up well in mixed dishes.

🎯 Perfect for

Mediterranean-inspired meals
Quick and wholesome dinners
Flavorful vegetarian adaptations
Hearty side dishes with robust taste

📝 Final Thoughts

This bulgur and chickpea dish infused with smoky chorizo oil brings the bold, sunny flavors of Seville straight to your kitchen. Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and adaptable for all diets, it’s a must-try for lovers of vibrant Mediterranean cuisine!