Mediterranean Grain Bowl – Spicy Bulgur Pilaf

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Looking to break away from plain rice and explore a world of bold flavors? Say goodbye to sodium-laden boxed rice “dinners” and get ready for a culinary adventure with my Spicy Bulgur Pilaf with Savory Mushrooms and Leeks. This dish has taken my household by storm, thanks to its irresistible blend of warm spices like cumin, coriander, Aleppo peppers, and red pepper paste. Prepare to elevate your meals with a truly unique and special twist that will leave everyone craving more.

Get ready to elevate your taste buds with my Mediterranean Bulgur Pilaf with Sicy Savory Mushrooms and Leeks. This sensational dish has become a household favorite, loved by all who have tasted its magical flavors.

Imagine fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, Aleppo peppers, and red pepper paste infusing every bite of wholesome Bulgur. The result is a symphony of taste and texture that will transport you to culinary bliss. But it gets even better. Savor tender mushrooms and aromatic leeks, sautéed to perfection, adding depth and richness to this unforgettable dish. Each mouthful will leave you craving more, transforming any ordinary meal into a memorable occasion.

Join me in the kitchen, and let’s embark on a culinary adventure with Mediterranean Bulgur Pilaf. Get ready to indulge in deliciousness and create lasting memories around the table.

What is Bulgur?

If you haven’t heard of Bulgur, you’re not alone – but I hope to change that! This grain deserves a lot of recognition because it’s such a great whole grain that packs incredible health benefits while being delicious and versatile. Bulgur is especially common in dishes prepared in the Middle East, but it’s starting to gain attention elsewhere. Why? Because it’s nutritious and beyond easy to prepare. 

Unlike other whole grains that take some time to cook, Bulgur can be whipped up in just ten minutes, making it one of the most convenient health foods. The grain is slightly different from rice in its texturing (you might compare it to something akin to tabouleh or couscous), but it’s the perfect companion to any dish that calls for rice or grains. You can play with Bulgur to create unique ways to flavor and spice it up, but I recommend starting with my simple Mediterranean Bulgur Pilaf.

Where can I purchase this grain?

Historically, Bulgur wasn’t always easy to find in the market. Though it’s growing in popularity, Bulgur is showing up at many grocery chains throughout the US. Stores like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and even Kroger and Walmart will likely have the grain in stock. You won’t necessarily find it in the aisle with the rest of the rice, though (although it may be there!). 

In many cases, stores stock Bulgur in the baking aisle with other alternative grain options, and sometimes it may appear in bulk food aisles. Fortunately, there’s almost always an employee walking around whom you can ask for assistance. When shopping for this grain, be advised that it comes in different numbers. These numbers represent the size of the grain. I prefer to use the number four for this Mediterranean grain bowl recipe. 

How long should I soak Bulgur?

One of the great advantages of using Bulgur is that it eliminates the need for lengthy soaking. Bulgur saves you time and effort, unlike other grains that require hours of soaking to achieve the desired texture. Instead of waiting around for your grains to soak, all you have to do is give them a quick rinse before cooking.

The magic of Bulgur lies in its unique texture and preparation process. When you rinse Bulgur, gently remove dust or impurities and hydrate the grains. As you cook the Bulgur, it absorbs the cooking liquid and expands, resulting in fluffy, tender grains with a satisfying chew.

This convenience makes Bulgur ideal for busy individuals or last-minute meal preparations. Whether you’re pressed for time or want a hassle-free cooking experience, Bulgur comes to the rescue. You can say goodbye to the waiting game and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal in no time.

So, the next time you consider a grain-based dish and want to skip the soaking step, reach for Bulgur. Its quick rinsing and cooking process provides the perfect solution for a hassle-free and flavorful meal. Say goodbye to soaking time and hello to a delightful culinary experience with Bulgur!

How should I serve this Mediterranean Bulgur Pilaf?

Mediterranean Bulgur Pilaf offers endless possibilities when it comes to serving options. Here are a few ideas to take your culinary experience to the next level:

  1. Standalone Main Dish: This flavorful Bulgur rice pilaf can shine as a satisfying main course for vegetarians. Packed with protein from the Bulgur, it provides a nutritious filling option on its own. However, you can add some additional ingredients to elevate the dish further. For example, try incorporating roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for added texture and flavor. For an entirely plant-based meal.
  2. Pair with Roasted Meat: Bulgur rice pilaf makes a delightful side dish to complement a variety of roasted meats. Consider serving it alongside succulent lamb chops, which bring their richness and juiciness to the meal.
  3. Add Roasted Vegetables and Chicken Breast: For a well-rounded and wholesome meal, use the Bulgur rice pilaf as a base and layer it with roasted vegetables and chicken breast. Roasting vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, and onions enhances their natural sweetness and flavors. Season chicken breast with herbs and spices of your choice, then roast or grill it perfectly. Place the roasted vegetables and chicken breast on top of the Bulgur pilaf, allowing all the elements to mingle and create a mouthwatering medley of tastes and textures.

Remember, you can customize the dish according to your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, spices, and toppings to make the Bulgur rice pilaf your own. The versatility of this dish ensures that it will be a delightful addition to any meal, whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish.

Ingredient List

Preparation

1.
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet, then add the chopped leeks.
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2.
Stir and salt the leeks until lightly browned (about 12 minutes) over medium-high heat. Remove the leeks from your pan and set them aside.
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3.
Pour two tablespoons of olive oil into the skillet and add the mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms have released most of their water and the water has evaporated (about 5 minutes), stirring in the sliced garlic and 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt. Wipe out the pan if necessary and set the mushrooms aside.
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4.
Melt a tablespoon of ghee (or butter) and two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in the skillet. Toast the Bulgur, and add the cumin, coriander, Aleppo pepper, and salt. Next, add the tomato paste and red pepper paste. Stir all the ingredients together for around a minute. Return the leeks and mushrooms to the skillet, and stir them into the Bulgur.
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5.
Pour four cups of boiling water over the mixture, bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
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6.
Turn off the heat, lift the lid, cover the pan with one kitchen towel, close the lid, and cover it with another kitchen towel for another 15 minutes.
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7.
Once ready, garnish with chopped walnuts, parsley, and dried barberries. Enjoy!
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Ingredients:

Adjust Servings
6 tablespoons olive oil (measure 2 Tbsp separately)
2 leeks (cut roughly in circles washed thoroughly and dried)
12 oz mushrooms (roughly chopped)
3 cloves garlic (sliced thick)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon Gee or butter
1.5 cups coarse bulgur #4
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon red pepper paste
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
1 ½ teaspoons salt (divided into three equal parts)
Optional for garnish:
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ cup chopped walnut
Dry Barberries

Preparation

1
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet, then add the chopped leeks.
2
Stir and salt the leeks until lightly browned (about 12 minutes) over medium-high heat. Remove the leeks from your pan and set them aside.
3
Pour two tablespoons of olive oil into the skillet and add the mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms have released most of their water and the water has evaporated (about 5 minutes), stirring in the sliced garlic and 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt. Wipe out the pan if necessary and set the mushrooms aside.
4
Melt a tablespoon of ghee (or butter) and two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in the skillet. Toast the Bulgur, and add the cumin, coriander, Aleppo pepper, and salt. Next, add the tomato paste and red pepper paste. Stir all the ingredients together for around a minute. Return the leeks and mushrooms to the skillet, and stir them into the Bulgur.
5
Pour four cups of boiling water over the mixture, bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6
Turn off the heat, lift the lid, cover the pan with one kitchen towel, close the lid, and cover it with another kitchen towel for another 15 minutes.
7
Once ready, garnish with chopped walnuts, parsley, and dried barberries. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Store and heating instructions for the Mediterranean Bulgur Pilaf:

Storage: Transfer any leftover Mediterranean Bulgur Pilaf to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving. Heating Instructions: If you have leftovers or need to reheat the Bulgur Pilaf, simply place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed to your desired temperature."

Rana’s Notes!

For an extra burst of flavor and texture, consider adding a garnish of chopped parsley, chopped walnuts, and dry Barberries. These optional toppings will elevate the dish and add a delightful touch to your Mediterranean Bulgur Pilaf.You can also get creative and try other garnish options like crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, or pomegranate arils. Feel free to experiment and customize the garnish based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

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