Woodland Bundles

Dairy Free
Health score
39%
Woodland Bundles
60 min.
16
62kcal

Suggestions

Woodland Bundles are a delightful and visually stunning appetizer perfect for those who appreciate fresh, vibrant flavors combined with a nutritious twist. This dairy-free recipe showcases the earthy richness of bulgur, toasted pine nuts, and smoky trout, balanced beautifully with the sweetness of dried currants and the bright zest of fresh lemon juice. Wrapped in crisp romaine leaves that have been gently blanched and softened, these bundles offer a satisfying texture contrast—tender yet with a pleasant chewiness from the bulgur filling.

Ideal for entertaining or as a light starter, this recipe serves 16, making it perfect for gatherings and sharing. The preparation involves blanching the romaine to ensure flexibility and rolling the filling tightly inside, resulting in neat, hand-held parcels. Not only do these bundles look elegant on a platter, but they are also remarkably healthy, with only 62 calories per serving and a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.

One of the great appeals of Woodland Bundles is their make-ahead convenience—they can be assembled a day before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and making your event stress-free. The finishing touch of drizzling walnut oil adds a delicate nuttiness that complements every bite. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated snack, a thoughtful appetizer, or a creative antipasti option, these bundles bring a fresh, nourishing, and dairy-free option to your table that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • teaspoon baking soda 
  • 0.8 cup bulgur 
  • 0.3 cup currants dried
  • 1.5 tablespoons juice of lemon fresh
  • tablespoon olive oil extra-virgin
  • 0.3 cup pinenuts toasted
  • 20 large romaine leaves (from 2 to 3 heads; not hearts)
  • 0.3 cup trout smoked shredded finely
  • cups water 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • paper towels
  • pot
  • sieve
  • rolling pin
  • tongs

Directions

  1. Bring water to a boil with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  2. Pour over bulgur in a heatproof bowl and let stand, uncovered, until bulgur is tender but still chewy, about 15 minutes.
  3. Drain well in a sieve, then transfer to a bowl.
  4. Add trout, currants, pine nuts, lemon juice, walnut oil, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, stirring gently to combine.
  5. While bulgur stands, bring a 6- to 8-quarts pot of salted water to a boil (2 tablespoons salt for 4 quarts water) and add baking soda. Blanch romaine leaves in batches until slightly wilted but still bright green, about 1 minute.
  6. Remove with tongs and plunge into an ice bath.
  7. Line a work surface with 3 layers of paper towel, then arrange 2 lettuce leaves, rib sides down, on paper towels. Top with 3 more layers of paper towel, then roll over leaves with a rolling pin, crushing ribs.
  8. Remove top layers of paper towel. Trim enough from bottom of each leaf to form an 8-inch-long leaf. Repeat with remaining leaves, replacing paper towels as needed. (You will have 4 extra leaves, in case any tear.)
  9. Arrange 1 leaf with wider end nearest you. Put 2 tablespoons of filling 1 1/2 inches from bottom of leaf.
  10. Roll up, gently squeezing to compact filling and keeping a 1/2-inch border on either side free of filling, and fold in sides as you roll.
  11. Transfer, seam side down, to a plate. Make 15 more bundles in same manner. Just before serving, drizzle with walnut oil.
  12. Bundles can be assembled 1 day ahead and chilled in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Calories62kcal
Protein14.39%
Fat36.26%
Carbs49.35%

Properties

Glycemic Index
4.5
Glycemic Load
2.18
Inflammation Score
-9
Nutrition Score
8.445652137632%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.07mg
Hesperetin
0.2mg
Naringenin
0.02mg
Luteolin
0.02mg
Kaempferol
0.01mg
Quercetin
0.78mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:62.08kcal
3.1%
Fat:2.69g
4.14%
Saturated Fat:0.3g
1.9%
Carbohydrates:8.24g
2.75%
Net Carbohydrates:6.12g
2.23%
Sugar:1.96g
2.17%
Cholesterol:3.92mg
1.31%
Sodium:77.57mg
3.37%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:2.4g
4.8%
Vitamin A:3055.68IU
61.11%
Vitamin K:37.74µg
35.94%
Manganese:0.45mg
22.57%
Folate:50.82µg
12.7%
Fiber:2.12g
8.47%
Magnesium:23.63mg
5.91%
Phosphorus:56.52mg
5.65%
Potassium:161.04mg
4.6%
Copper:0.08mg
3.98%
Iron:0.68mg
3.77%
Vitamin B6:0.07mg
3.74%
Vitamin B1:0.05mg
3.64%
Vitamin B3:0.68mg
3.42%
Selenium:2.05µg
2.93%
Vitamin B2:0.05mg
2.76%
Vitamin C:2.07mg
2.51%
Zinc:0.38mg
2.51%
Vitamin E:0.38mg
2.51%
Vitamin B12:0.13µg
2.13%
Calcium:17.96mg
1.8%
Vitamin B5:0.16mg
1.6%
Source:Epicurious