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Bulgur Pilaf

This cozy side dish, simmered in a gentle tomato broth with soft peppers and garlic, pairs beautifully with grilled meats, yogurt, or fresh salads.
Shared notes will appear here.
Everyday Cooking
Middle Eastern, Turkish
Kitchen Pace : 🕒
Servings: 2
Recipe by NAVA Kitchen
Everyday bulgur pilaf shaped into a dome on a white plate, served with cucumber tomato salad and a small bowl of yogurt topped with olive oil and herbs.
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Ingredients:

  • 1 cup coarse bulgur, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
  • ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 6 tbsp tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth, hot if possible
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground

Method:

Start Cooking
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a wide pot over medium heat.
  • Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  • Add red and green peppers. Cook another 3 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Stir in tomato sauce and cook 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  • Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds (just until fragrant).
  • Add rinsed bulgur and mix well so every grain is coated.
  • Pour in hot beef broth. Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, or until bulgur is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  • Turn off heat. Let rest (covered) 5 minutes.
  • Serve warm. Bon appétit.

Kitchen Tools:

Notes:

From the kitchen
  • Instead of tomato sauce, you can use tomato paste at a 1:3 ratio (1 tbsp paste = about 3 tbsp sauce).
  • You can increase or decrease the tomato sauce on how red or mild you like your pilaf.
  • You can use water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth for fully vegetarian option.
  • Always add hot liquid for the fluffiest bulgur.
 
Make it yours
  • Stir in chickpeas for extra protein.
  • Season it your way with dried mint, red pepper flakes, cumin, or paprika.
  • Want it juicier? Add a finely grated tomato for softer texture and natural sweetness.
 
At the table
  • Serve warm with cacık or plain yogurt, alongside grilled meat or simple shepherd salad.
  • It’s lovely with a glass of ayran (yogurt drink).

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Nutrition:

Calories: 169 kcal | Carbohydrates: 9 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g | Trans Fat: 0.2 g | Cholesterol: 15 mg | Sodium: 1155 mg | Potassium: 432 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 1412 IU | Vitamin C: 68 mg | Calcium: 39 mg | Iron: 1 mg
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