Lemon, Bulgar and Chickpea Pilaf

Lemon, Bulgar and Chickpea Pilaf Recipe - Vegan Food from Arabia

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Lemon, Bulgar and Chickpea Pilaf is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the nutty taste of bulgur with the tangy flavor of lemon and the earthy taste of chickpeas. This dish is perfect for a light and healthy meal that is easy to prepare.

History

This recipe is inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, where bulgur, chickpeas, and lemon are commonly used ingredients. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is popular in many countries around the world.

Ingredients

1 cup of bulgur, medium grind
2 cups of vegetable stock
1 tsp of ground cumin
1 tbsp of olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups of canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
0.33 cup of fresh lemon juice
1 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

How to prepare

1. Place bulgur in a bowl.
2. Bring stock to a boil, add half of the cumin, and pour stock over bulgur. Stir once and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, until most of the liquid has been absorbed and bulgur is fluffy.
3. Heat oil in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, green pepper, and half of the garlic for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring, until onion is translucent. Add the remaining garlic and cumin. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
4. Stir in bulgur and chickpeas. Stir together for a few minutes. Then add the remaining ingredients, combine well, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Substitute quinoa for bulgur for a gluten-free option.
Add a sprinkle of feta cheese on top before serving for a creamy touch.

Notes

Cook Time:
Serves: 6

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use medium grind bulgur for this recipe to ensure the right texture.

- Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas before using them to remove any excess salt.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

- Garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving for added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Lemon, Bulgar and Chickpea Pilaf as a main dish with a side of Greek yogurt or a fresh salad. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Sautéing

Ingredient Substitutions

Quinoa for bulgur

- Red bell pepper for green bell pepper

- Canned beans for chickpeas

Make Ahead Tips

This Lemon, Bulgar and Chickpea Pilaf can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dish in a large serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Lemon, Bulgar and Chickpea Pilaf with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a complete meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- 320 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Bulgur: 34g

- Chickpeas: 27g

- Total Carbohydrates: 61g

Fats

- Olive oil: 7g

Proteins

- Bulgur: 6g

- Chickpeas: 15g

- Total Proteins: 21g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 24mg

- Iron: 3mg

Alergens

Contains gluten (bulgur)

Summary

This Lemon, Bulgar and Chickpea Pilaf is a well-balanced dish that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Lemon, Bulgar and Chickpea Pilaf is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a light and healthy meal. With the right balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. The aroma of fresh herbs and spices filled the air as she busily prepared a delicious meal for us to enjoy.

Maria had always been a talented cook, and I had learned many wonderful recipes from her over the years. But this particular dish caught my eye – Lemon, Bulgar and Chickpea Pilaf. I had never heard of such a combination before, and I was eager to learn more.

As Maria chopped and stirred, she shared with me the story behind this unique recipe. She explained that she had first tasted it during a trip to the Middle East, where she had been invited to a traditional feast by a local family. The flavors had captivated her, and she had worked tirelessly to recreate the dish once she returned home.

I watched in awe as Maria added the bulgar, chickpeas, and lemon zest to the pot, along with a medley of fragrant herbs and spices. The kitchen was filled with the tantalizing scent of cumin, coriander, and fresh mint. I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

After a short while, Maria served up generous portions of the pilaf onto our plates. The vibrant colors of the lemon zest and fresh herbs were a feast for the eyes, and the aroma was simply intoxicating. I took my first bite, and my taste buds were immediately delighted.

The pilaf was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures – the nutty bulgar, the creamy chickpeas, and the bright, zesty lemon all worked together perfectly. Each bite was a symphony of tastes, and I savored every mouthful.

As I enjoyed my meal, Maria shared with me the importance of passing down recipes through generations. She explained that every dish tells a story, and that each recipe is a precious link to the past. It was a sentiment that resonated deeply with me, as I thought of the many recipes I had inherited from my own family.

After our meal, I asked Maria for the recipe so that I could make it for my own loved ones. She happily obliged, and I carefully wrote down each step, making sure to capture every detail. I knew that this Lemon, Bulgar and Chickpea Pilaf would become a treasured addition to my repertoire of dishes.

In the years that followed, I made the pilaf countless times, each time with a sense of reverence and gratitude. It became a staple at family gatherings and special occasions, a dish that brought joy and comfort to all who tasted it.

And as I cooked, I found myself sharing the story of the recipe with my own children and grandchildren. I told them of Maria and her wonderful adventures, of the flavors of the Middle East, and of the importance of preserving our culinary heritage.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing another batch of Lemon, Bulgar and Chickpea Pilaf, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. This recipe has become more than just a dish – it is a link to the past, a testament to the power of food to connect us across time and distance.

And as I take my first bite of the fragrant, flavorful pilaf, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for all the recipes I have learned and shared over the years. Each one is a gift, a piece of history, a taste of love. And I am so thankful for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment.