Turkish Bulgur Pilaf with Veggies

Recipe by Cook's Hideout

I thought bulgur was used to make Tabbouleh only until I ate this pilaf. I should have known, bulgur to Turkish is like rice to South Indians -- the many variations of rice we enjoy is incredible. So bulgur is used in both savory and sweet preparations. Bulgur is made from groats of several different wheat species. It looks like our wheat rawa and it probably is Turkish wheat rawa -- I'm not sure (if any of you do, please add your comment below). So the first time I ate this bulgur pilaf I was blown away how similar it...

Ingredients

• 1 cup bulgur (Coarse - rinsed and drained)
• 1 eggplant (- medium, chopped (I used 1 Japanese eggplant))
• 1 zucchini (- medium, chopped)
• 1 onion (- medium, chopped)
• 1 red Pepper (- medium, diced (I didn't have any peppers on hand, so skipped it))
• 1 jalapeño pepper (- small, chopped)
• 1 tomato (- medium, chopped)
• 2 tsps red bell pepper (paste - (I used harissa))
• 2 tsp tomato paste
• 1 cups water (Hot)
• ¼ cup mint leaves (- finely chopped)
• to taste Salt

Method

1. Heat 2tbsp oil in a saute pan, add the onion and cook till it turns translucent, about 3~4 minutes.
2. Add the tomato paste and red pepper paste. Mix well and cook for 2~3 minutes.
3. Next add the chopped eggplant, zucchini, jalapeno and red pepper. Mix well, cover and cook till the veggies are tender, about 6~8 minutes.
4. Add the chopped tomato and cook till tomato is softened, about 2~3 minutes.
5. Add the rinsed and drained bulgur. Mix well to coat bulgur with the veggie mixture; cook for 3~4 minutes.
6. Slowly pour in the hot water and stir in salt. Cover and cook on medium low flame until all the water evaporates and bulgur is completely cooked through. Garnish with chopped mint and serve.

View the recipe instructions at Cook's Hideout