Bulgur Pilaf
Bulgur and tomato paste prepared in a pot with a bottom, a practical side dish served one grain at a time.
- Yield
- 6
- Preparation
- Cooking
- Total
- Difficulty
- Easy
The listed times are estimates for 6 servings.
About this recipe
Bulgur pilaf is a classic accompaniment served alongside main dishes, prepared in a single pot with basic ingredients.
Ingredients
- 300 grams bulgur
- 1 piece onion
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 650 milliliters water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Finely grate the onion. Saute in olive oil until softened over medium heat.
Add the tomato paste and stir briefly until the aroma comes out.
Add the bulgur to the pot and toast for a few minutes with the tomato paste mixture.
Add hot water and salt. Once it boils, reduce the heat, cover, and cook until the water is absorbed.
Turn off the heat. Let the pilaf rest covered, then gently fluff and serve.
Make this recipe better
Useful tips
- Cook the tomato paste briefly in the fat before adding bulgur to remove its raw taste and deepen the base flavor.
- After adding the cooking liquid, avoid frequent stirring because it can break the grains and make the pilaf heavy.
- Rest the covered pilaf off the heat for a few minutes so remaining moisture distributes evenly through the bulgur.
Common mistakes
- Using too much liquid without accounting for the type of bulgur can turn a fluffy pilaf soft and mushy.
- Stirring vigorously as soon as cooking finishes can crush the grains and make the texture sticky.
Storage
Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate in a covered container. Reheat with a splash of water and the lid on to reduce drying.
Serving suggestion
Serve hot beside stews or grilled dishes. Fluff gently with a fork after resting to separate the grains.
Frequently asked questions
Why does bulgur pilaf become mushy?
Too much liquid, excessive stirring, or overcooking are the usual reasons.
Does bulgur pilaf need to rest?
A short rest helps the remaining steam settle into the grains and gives a more even texture.