Recipe: Bulgur Pilaf 🍽️
Description:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Bulgur Pilaf, a chewy and exotic variation on traditional rice pilaf, inspired by “Betty Crocker’s New Int’l Cookbook.” With its Middle Eastern flair, this dish is both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it an ideal addition to any mealtime.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter (or substitute with oil or vegetable broth)
- 2 1/4 cups water
- 2 teaspoons instant bouillon granules
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 121.1
- Fat: 4.2g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 10.2mg
- Sodium: 234.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 19.4g
- Fiber: 4.6g
- Sugar: 0.9g
- Protein: 3.1g
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the onion and measuring out the remaining ingredients, ensuring everything is readily available for cooking.
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Cook Bulgur and Onion: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and bulgur to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes tender and translucent, and the bulgur is lightly toasted. This process should take about 5-7 minutes, infusing the bulgur with rich, buttery flavor.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: Once the onion and bulgur are nicely cooked, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients to the skillet. Pour in the water, followed by the instant bouillon granules and salt, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
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Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rapid boil. This step will help to infuse the bulgur with the savory flavors of the broth and seasoning.
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Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the Bulgur Pilaf to simmer gently for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the bulgur is tender but still retains a slight chewiness. During this time, the grains will absorb the flavorful broth, resulting in a perfectly cooked and fragrant pilaf.
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Serve: After simmering, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes to allow any excess moisture to be absorbed. Then, fluff the Bulgur Pilaf with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the flavors evenly. Serve hot as a delicious side dish or as a satisfying main course.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Bulgur Pilaf alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or your favorite Middle Eastern-inspired dishes for a complete and wholesome meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of vibrant color.
- Pair with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce or a dollop of tangy tzatziki for a cooling contrast to the warm and hearty pilaf.