Bulgur Pilaf Recipe: Easy Turkish Superfood - Delicious & Simple

Bulgur pilaf, a staple in Turkish cuisine, offers a hearty and flavorful alternative to traditional rice pilaf. This nutritious dish boasts the wholesome goodness of bulgur wheat, a cracked form of wheat offering a delightful chewy texture and a subtly nutty taste. It's incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a satisfying side for a special occasion. Beyond its deliciousness, bulgur is packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making this pilaf a superfood choice for health-conscious individuals.

This simple yet satisfying recipe delivers a perfectly cooked bulgur pilaf, bursting with aromatic spices and bursting with flavor. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring a consistently delicious result every time, even for beginner cooks. Ready to experience the magic of bulgur? Let's dive into the easy-to-follow instructions!

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

  • Onions: 2 large
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic: 4 cloves
  • Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Hot pepper paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Bulgur: 2 1/2 cups
  • Carrots: 1 small (or 1/2 large)
  • Dried mint: 1 tablespoon
  • Thyme: 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Chickpeas: null
  • Water: null

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Sauté Aromatics & Prepare Bulgur

  • Dice the onions.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a pot. Add onions and cook until softened.
  • Add garlic, and cook until fragrant.
  • Stir in tomato paste and hot pepper paste, cooking briefly.
Dice the onions.Heat olive oil and butter in a pot. Add onions and cook until softened.Add garlic, and cook until fragrant.Stir in tomato paste and hot pepper paste, cooking briefly.
Sauté Aromatics & Prepare Bulgur
  • Add bulgur (no need to wash).
  • Add grated carrots.
  • Add dried mint, thyme, black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and chickpeas.
Add bulgur (no need to wash).Add grated carrots.Add dried mint, thyme, black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and chickpeas.
Sauté Aromatics & Prepare Bulgur

Step 2. Simmer and Cook

  • Add water, ensuring the liquid level is slightly above the ingredients. Add an extra teaspoon of butter.
  • Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the bulgur is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add water, ensuring the liquid level is slightly above the ingredients. Add an extra teaspoon of butter.
Simmer and Cook

Step 3. Rest & Fluff

  • Fluff with a fork, and let it rest for another 10 minutes.

Read more: Red Lentil Soup with Lemon Mint Yogurt: A Food Wishes Recipe

Tips

  • Different bulgur sizes are suitable for various dishes. This recipe uses the larger type.
  • Don't wash the bulgur; it can make it lose flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
  • The cooking time may vary depending on the type of bulgur used.
  • Adding a little bit of pickle juice at the end enhances the flavor.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of bulgur?

While you can substitute, the texture and taste will be significantly different. Bulgur's nutty chewiness is unique.

2. How can I make this pilaf vegetarian/vegan?

This recipe is already vegetarian! To make it vegan, ensure your broth is vegetable-based and omit any butter or dairy.

3. How do I store leftover bulgur pilaf?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.


This simple bulgur pilaf recipe is a testament to the deliciousness and versatility of this often-overlooked grain. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish as a satisfying side or a light main course, perfect for any occasion. Now go forth and create your own delicious, nutritious bulgur pilaf!