Description
This Bulgur Pilaf recipe is a flavorful and quick side dish inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine. It features a savory mix of sautéed onions, green bell peppers, garlic, tomato paste, and fresh tomatoes combined with coarse bulgur wheat simmered in vegetable broth. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper (from 1 pepper)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- fresh chopped parsley and mint, for serving
Pantry & Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- ¾ tsp. table salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 2 tsp. tomato paste
- 1 cup coarse bulgur wheat
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat and Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and green bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become tender, about 6 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to season.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant, roughly 1 minute, which will enhance the base flavor of the pilaf.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the chopped Roma tomatoes to the pan. Stir occasionally as the mixture cooks down to a jam-like consistency, about 2 to 3 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
- Combine Bulgur: Stir the coarse bulgur wheat into the tomato mixture, ensuring it is well coated with the flavorful base.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed the liquid, approximately 15 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat. Fluff the pilaf carefully with a fork to separate the grains. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and mint for an aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use coarse bulgur for a chewy texture; fine bulgur will turn mushy when cooked this way.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Adding chopped fresh herbs at the end brightens the dish and adds freshness.
- This pilaf pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a component in a mezze platter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
