Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Bulgur

Who says budget meals can’t be hearty? We’re transforming basic canned soup into a fiber-packed feast using instant bulgur – all for under $2 per serving. Your microwave does the heavy lifting while you kick back.

This recipe takes 5 minutes and turns “meh” into “more, please!” No pots, no timers, no culinary PhD required. Just steam, stir and savor.

We’ll show you how to pick soups that microwave beautifully, cook bulgur without mushiness, and avoid common pitfalls (looking at you, exploded lentil splatters). Let’s turn your breakroom lunch into a textured triumph.

What is Instant Bulgur?

Instant bulgur is cracked wheat that’s been pre-steamed, dried, and ready to eat in minutes. Unlike traditional bulgur (which needs 15+ minutes of simmering), this shortcut version hydrates fast — perfect for impatient microwave chefs like my grandpa, who once declared, “If it can’t cook while I untie my fishing knots, it’s not picnic food!”

Quick Cooking Grain for Microwave Meals

Those pre-steamed wheat kernels absorb liquid rapidly — ideal for our 5-minute soup hack. Just 60-90 seconds in the microwave softens it into a nutty, chewy base. Uncle Peter taught me to pack instant bulgur on camping trips: “Add hot broth, wait two minutes, and you’ve got dinner. Same logic applies here, minus the bears.”

Why Add Instant Bulgur to Canned Soup?

Canned soup alone often feels like a lukewarm apology to your stomach. Bulgur transforms it into a textural party — fluffy grains bobbing between veggies or noodles. Plus, at $0.30 per serving, it’s cheaper than adding meat or fresh produce. For a quick meal option, consider adding cheap microwave canned soup with instant barley for a hearty, satisfying dish. This combination not only saves time but also enhances the flavor and nutrition of your meal.

Affordable Fiber and Texture Boost

Each ¼ cup of instant bulgur packs 4g fiber — doubling most canned soups’ content. It thickens broths without gloopy cornstarch and survives microwaving better than pasta (no sogginess!). Grandpa’s trick? Stir in bulgur after heating soup to keep grains pleasantly springy, not mushy. For a cozy, quick meal, try making creamy pea soup in the microwave. It’s not only easy but also delivers a comforting taste in minutes.

Ready to choose your soup base? Let’s find one that plays nice with both microwaves and bulgur’s earthy charm.

Choosing the Right Canned Soup for Microwaving

Not all canned soups microwave equally. We learned this the hard way when a “creamy potato” experiment left our office microwave looking like a modern art project. Stick to broth-based varieties – they heat faster and mix better with grains. Plus, for an even easier meal, consider pairing your soup with lazy microwave pre-cooked bacon for a quick and satisfying option.

Low-sodium and Broth-based Options

Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth soups (like Progresso Light) let you control salt levels. My college roommate swore by lentil soup – its thick texture clings to bulgur like they’re long-lost cousins. For a quick and budget-friendly meal, try microwave canned lentil soup served over crispy toast. Avoid cream-based styles – they separate under microwave heat waves.

Also See: Cheap Microwave Hot Dog Nachos: Snack in Minutes!

Ingredients for Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Bulgur

This recipe thrives on pantry staples. Our test kitchen found these combos work best:

Canned Soup Alternatives (Vegetable, Chicken, Lentil)

• Chicken noodle: Classic comfort, 90¢ per can
• Vegetable barley: Earthy depth, $1.10
• Lentil: Protein punch, $1.25 (cheaper at dollar stores)

Instant Bulgur Substitutes (Quick Couscous, Pre-cooked Rice)

Out of bulgur? We’ve survived on:

• Quick-cooking couscous (same 1:1 liquid ratio)
• Pre-cooked rice packets (slightly mushier, but fast)

Optional Add-ins (Frozen Vegetables, Spices)

Our favorite $0.50 upgrades:

• 1/4 cup frozen peas (no thawing needed)
• Pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder
• Squeeze of lemon post-cooking

Also See: Microwave Christmas Pudding Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

How to Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Bulgur

My dorm-era formula for avoiding hunger-induced meltdowns:

Step 1: Prep the Soup Base

Pour soup into a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl – trust me, it bubbles more than you’d think. Stir in 1/4 cup water if using thick lentil soup. No need to cover yet!

Step 2: Cook Instant Bulgur Separately

In a mug, mix 1/4 cup bulgur + 1/2 cup water. Microwave 60 seconds. Let sit 1 minute – it keeps chewing through residual heat. Fluff with a fork like you’re styling its hair for dinner. For an even quicker meal option, consider making a 2-minute microwave savory cornbread mug, which combines convenience with delicious flavors. It’s a perfect snack or side dish that cooks up in no time, making it ideal for busy days.

Step 3: Combine and Microwave

Dump bulgur into soup bowl. Stir gently. Cover loosely with a paper towel. Nuke 2 minutes. Let rest 60 seconds – patience prevents tongue burns!

Microwaving Tips for Even Heating

• 700W microwave? Add 30 seconds to each step
• Stop halfway to stir – prevents cold spots
• Use deep containers – reduces bubble-overs by 80%

Perfectly microwaved but worried about texture? Let’s tackle common bulgur blunders next – because nobody wants pebble-grain surprises. With the right techniques, even corn on the cob can turn out delightful in the microwave. A simple trick can help ensure your corn cob cooks evenly and retains its juicy sweetness.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

We’ve all had that sad, overcooked bulgur moment – grains turning from fluffy to mushy faster than you can say “soup’s on!” Let’s dodge those pitfalls together.

Overcooking Bulgur

Instant bulgur keeps cooking from residual heat even after microwaving. Always undercook it by 15 seconds when prepping separately. My college roommate once nuked hers for 2 minutes – it emerged looking like wallpaper paste. Stir grains into hot soup just before serving to maintain chewiness.

Using Thick Cream-based Soups

Creamy tomato bisque might sound tempting, but microwaving it with bulgur invites curdling chaos. Stick to broth-based soups (think chicken noodle or minestrone) for smooth sailing. My office microwave still bears the scars of a failed broccoli cheddar experiment – let’s learn from my cheesy tragedy. For a quick and tasty side, consider making cheesy broccoli in the microwave. It’s a fast way to enjoy a comforting dish without the risk of disaster.

Recipe Variations With Canned Soup and Bulgur

Boredom is not on today’s menu! These three combos prove canned soup + bulgur = endless possibilities. Each variation costs under $1.50 per serving. For a quick and affordable meal idea, cheap microwave canned soup with instant orzo offers a hearty option. This combination provides satisfying flavors without breaking the bank.

Vegetable Soup With Lemon-zested Bulgur

Zest 1/4 lemon into cooked bulgur before adding to Progresso Vegetable Classics. The citrus cuts through saltiness beautifully. Add frozen peas during microwaving – they’ll thaw perfectly by serving time. Grandma called this her “sunshine in a bowl” trick. For a refreshing summer meal, consider preparing bulgur salad in the microwave. It’s a quick and nutritious option that pairs well with the bright flavors of lemon and vegetables.

Chicken Noodle Soup With Herbed Bulgur

Stir 1/4 tsp dried thyme into bulgur’s cooking water. Combine with Campbell’s Chicken Noodle for a herbaceous upgrade. Craving crunch? Top with crushed saltines – our broke college version of croutons. For a super easy meal, consider lazy microwave canned chicken noodle soup as a go-to option when you’re short on time.

Minestrone-style Soup With Bulgur

Swap pasta-heavy minestrone for bulgur’s nutty texture. Add a pinch of Italian seasoning and a splash of balsamic to the soup pre-microwave. Pro tip: Stir in canned kidney beans ($0.89) for extra protein that stretches leftovers. For a quick and easy meal, consider using microwave canned beans to enhance the dish further. They can be ready in just minutes and add great flavor and nutrition to your soups.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Yes, you can meal prep this! But here’s how to keep your grains from going rogue in the fridge.

Freezing Bulgur-soup Mixtures

Portion cooled soup into 8oz freezer jars (leave 1” space for expansion). Bulgur absorbs liquid when frozen – add 2 tbsp broth before reheating. Thaw overnight, then microwave 2 minutes at 70% power. My frozen stash once survived a cross-country move – still tasted fresh!

Now that your leftovers are secured, let’s talk presentation – because even budget meals deserve flair. Utilizing simple microwave tricks can elevate these meals into something gourmet.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

We’ve covered everything from choosing the right canned soup to nailing the perfect bulgur texture in your microwave. This budget-friendly meal comes together in minutes, packing fiber and flavor without breaking the bank.

Grab that can of soup and instant bulgur—your next cozy, filling meal is just a microwave beep away. Let us know which variation you whipped up!