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Turkish Tomato Bulgur Pilaf (Easy Mediterranean One-Pot Side)

Turkish Tomato Bulgur Pilaf (Easy Mediterranean One-Pot Side)

A staple Turkish side dish as fundamental as rice in Asia. Coarse bulgur is simmered in a tomato-rich broth until fluffy, taking on the red color of tomatoes and pepper paste. It has a chewy, nutty flavor and stays fluffy, not mushy. 
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: turkish
Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups coarse bulgur
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon mild Turkish pepper paste or extra tomato paste
  • 1 medium tomato finely chopped
  • 3 cups hot vegetable stock or water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika or Aleppo pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Plain yogurt lemon wedges, and extra herbs, for serving

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a wide saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion and pepper with a pinch of salt for 5–6 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste, pepper paste, cumin, and paprika; cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add chopped tomato and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in bulgur, then add hot stock or water, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and bulgur is tender.
  6. Turn off heat and rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  7. Fold in parsley, mint, and lemon juice. Serve warm with yogurt and lemon wedges.

Video

Notes

A staple Turkish side dish as fundamental as rice in Asia. Coarse bulgur is simmered in a tomato-rich broth until fluffy, taking on the red color of tomatoes and pepper paste. It has a chewy, nutty flavor and stays fluffy, not mushy.
Turn off heat, fluff with a fork and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.