Bulgur Pilaf (Cracked Wheat) :

Bulgur pilaf with sautéd mushrooms

Bulgur pilaf with peas

Bulgur Pilaf

Traditionally bulgur(cracked wheat) is commonly used in Turkey. However, it is considered as the "poor man's pilaf" since wheat is a lot cheaper than white rice. Though there are several dishes including soups and yes, even desserts that use wheat, the most common dish is the bulgur pilaf. It is a plain, yet very nutritious dish. You can spice it up by adding vegetables, nuts, cooked chicken or meat to it. Here's the basic recipe. Let me know if you come up with a different version and how it turns out.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2-3 table spoon olive oil
• ½ cup bell peppers chopped (optional)
• 2 medium tomatoes chopped into small pieces or chopped in blender
• 2 cups of no.3 bulgur (cracked wheat)
  
• 4 cups chicken broth (if not, plain water is OK)
• 1 table spoon tomato paste
• 8 oz (1/2 bag) frozen green peas
• salt to taste

Directions:

In a heavy saucepan, sauté onions in olive oil. Add chopped bell peppers (optional) and sauté for a few more minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, let it cook for a few minutes. Add tomato paste and chicken broth (or water) to the pot, bring to a boil. Add bulgur, peas, salt and pepper. When it starts to boil, reduce heat to low, let it simmer until the water is absorbed and the bulgur is cooked, about 20 minutes.

Variations:
You can add pine nuts, slivered almonds, or other nuts  if you like.
You can also add other cooked vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, garbanzo beans, etc. to spice it up.

Afiyet Olsun! Bon Appétit!