Pilafi Pourgouri Bulgur Wheat Pilaf

Pilafi Pourgouri is a cherished traditional Cypriot dish often referred to as a "poor man's meal." Simple yet wholesome, this bulgur wheat pilaf can delight as an accompanying side or be transformed into a hearty main course with additional protein choices like tender leftovers or sautéed mushrooms. Embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with this delightful and nutritious recipe.

Ingredients

🫒 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
🧅 1 Onion grated or pureed
🍝 2 nests Vermicelli broken into smaller pieces
🌾 200 grams 1 cup Coarse bulgur wheat
🍅 1/2 cup Concentrated tomato juice or tomato passata
💧 2 cups Hot water
🧂 1 tsp Salt
🌶️ Freshly grated black pepper
🥬 1/2 Organic vegetable bouillon cube
🍖 Leftover cooked meat
🍄 Sautéed pleurotus oyster mushrooms
🍅 Grated ripe tomatoes
🥄 Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
🌿 Fresh basil

Instructions

1- Prepare the Olive Oil and Vermicelli:

Heat 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil in an unbranded stainless steel pot on the stovetop.
Add 2 nests of broken vermicelli to the hot olive oil. Sauté until they begin to brown, stirring occasionally.

2- Process and Add Onion:

Puree or grate the onion in a food processor.
For easier processing, a tablespoon of olive oil can be added.
Once the vermicelli is lightly browned, stir in the grated onion.

3- Blend Bouillon and Bulgur:

Incorporate 1/2 cube of organic vegetable bouillon, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure thorough blending.
Add 200 grams of coarse bulgur wheat and mix briefly, ensuring it gets well coated with olive oil.

4- Season and Add Main Ingredients:

Season with a teaspoon of salt and freshly grated black pepper.
For a main dish, stir in leftover cooked meat or sautéed pleurotus mushrooms.

5- Add Tomato Juice and Water:

Pour in 1/2 cup of concentrated tomato juice and 2 cups of hot water.
Stir well.

6- Cook and Serve:

Once it begins to boil, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Fluff up the pilaf and serve warm or cold.

Prep Time: Approx. 10 minutes
Cook Time: Approx. 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: Not specified
Equipment: Pot stainless steel unbranded; Stovetop electric unbranded; Spatula/Cooking spoon black slotted unbranded; Food processor unbranded; Cutting board blue unbranded; Small bowls for ingredients unbranded; Pouring vessel yellow unbranded