July 2, 2026 · 15 min

Harissa-Roasted Vegetable Bulgur Bowls with Chermoula and Creamy Lemon Sauce

Lunch15 min2031 cal / serving

This colorful bowl is packed with layers of flavor and texture: sweet and spicy harissa-roasted carrots, tender bulgur studded with dried apricots and perfectly seasoned zucchini and tomatoes. To top it off, there are two sauces-a bright, herby chermoula and a cooling creamy lemon sauce-that bring everything together.

It’s a satisfying, veggie-forward meal that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make. The combination of warm spices, crunchy pistachios and tangy sauces will make this a new weeknight favorite.


Recipe details

Lunch15 min2031 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories2031 kcalProtein11.5 gFat198.6 gCarbs56 gSugar21.1 gFiber7 gSodium8533 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: containsSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Sour Cream3 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guide
Zucchini1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guide
Pistachios0.5 ounce PistachiosView ingredient guide
Lemon0.5 unit LemonView ingredient guide
Dried Apricots1 ounce Dried ApricotsView ingredient guide
Tomato1 unit TomatoView ingredient guide
Chili Flakes1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guide
Carrot9 ounce CarrotView ingredient guide
Bulgur Wheat0.5 cup Bulgur WheatView ingredient guide
Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guide
Cilantro0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guide
Saltteaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil2 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guide
Butter1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry produce. Trim, peel and cut carrots into sticks (about 3 inches long and ⅓ inch thick). Toss on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, ¼ tsp harissa powder (½ tsp for 4 servings), salt and pepper. Roast on top rack, tossing halfway through, until browned and tender, 15-20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small pot, combine bulgur, stock concentrates, half the garlic powder, 1 cup water (2 cups for 4 servings), a big pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, until water has absorbed and bulgur is tender, 12-15 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
  3. While bulgur cooks, finely chop cilantro. Zest and quarter lemon. Trim and quarter zucchini lengthwise; cut crosswise into ½-inch-thick pieces. Dice tomato. Roughly chop pistachios.
  4. In a small bowl, combine cilantro, 1½ TBSP olive oil (3 TBSP for 4 servings), a squeeze of lemon juice, chili flakes to taste and as much remaining garlic powder as you like. Season with salt and pepper. In a separate small bowl, combine sour cream and a big pinch of lemon zest. Add water 1 tsp at a time until sauce reaches a drizzling consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large, preferably nonstick, pan over medium-high heat. Add zucchini; cook, stirring, until lightly browned, 4-6 minutes (6-8 minutes for 4 servings). Add tomato, half the Tunisian Spice Blend (all for 4) and a pinch of salt; cook until tomatoes are slightly charred, 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off heat.
  6. Drain any excess water from bulgur if necessary; fluff with a fork. Stir in apricots and 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide bulgur between bowls and top with roasted carrots and veggies. Top with pistachios. Drizzle with chermoula and lemon sauce. Sprinkle with any remaining chili flakes to taste. Serve with any remaining lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

For easy cleanup, line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper before roasting the carrots.

If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili flakes or omit them entirely.

The bulgur can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.

FAQ

Can I substitute another grain for bulgur?

Yes, you can use quinoa, couscous or farro. Adjust cooking times and liquid amounts according to the grain’s package instructions.

What can I use instead of sour cream for the lemon sauce?

Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative works well as a substitute for sour cream.

How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add fresh garnishes before serving.

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