Pitas stuffed with Warm Bulgur

Warm Bulgur Stuffed Pitas Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Pitas stuffed with warm bulgur is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the nutty flavor of bulgur with the sweetness of grapes and raisins, the crunch of bell pepper, and the tanginess of feta cheese. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

Bulgur is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, and has been enjoyed for centuries. Stuffed pitas are a popular street food in many countries, and are often filled with a variety of ingredients such as falafel, hummus, and grilled meats. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic stuffed pita by using warm bulgur as the main filling.

Ingredients

1 cup bulgur
4 whole wheat pitas, cut in half
1 tsp sweet curry powder
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup thinly sliced scallions (white and light green parts)
1.5 cup red grapes, halved
0.5 cup dried cranberries or golden raisins
1 yellow or red bell pepper, diced
2 tsp olive oil
0.5 cup crumbled feta
green leaf or butter lettuce leaves

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C).
In a medium saucepan, bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil.
Remove from heat, stir in bulgur, and let it sit, covered, until tender, for 10 to 15 minutes (it will still be a bit chewy).
Meanwhile, heat the pitas in a warm oven.
Transfer the bulgur to a large bowl, and add curry powder, balsamic vinegar, garlic, scallions, grapes, cranberries, and bell pepper, stirring well.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
Add the bulgur mixture, and cook, stirring, until hot.
Remove from heat, and stir in feta.
Stuff each pita with lettuce and the mixture.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of bulgur for a different texture.
Swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the bulgur until it is tender but still slightly chewy for the best texture.

- Heating the pitas in the oven before stuffing them will help them become warm and pliable, making them easier to fill.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as nuts, seeds, or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pitas stuffed with warm bulgur can be served with a side salad, tzatziki sauce, or pickled vegetables for a complete meal. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a light and flavorful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the bulgur in water until tender.

- Heating the pitas in the oven before stuffing them.

- Cooking the bulgur mixture in a skillet until hot.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use quinoa or couscous instead of bulgur.

- Swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative.

- Substitute dried cranberries for the golden raisins.

Make Ahead Tips

The bulgur mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in a skillet before stuffing the pitas for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pitas stuffed with warm bulgur on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation. You can also arrange them on individual plates with a side of hummus or tabbouleh for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pitas stuffed with warm bulgur pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or lamb kebabs. They also go well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pitas stuffed with warm bulgur can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for 1-2 minutes or heat them in a skillet until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pitas stuffed with warm bulgur contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie meal option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pitas stuffed with warm bulgur contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of pitas stuffed with warm bulgur contains approximately 8 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come from the olive oil and feta cheese, which provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Proteins

Each serving of pitas stuffed with warm bulgur contains approximately 7 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

Pitas stuffed with warm bulgur are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the bell pepper, calcium from the feta cheese, and iron from the bulgur. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bulgur and may contain dairy from the feta cheese. It is important to check for any allergens before preparing this dish, and to make substitutions as needed.

Summary

Pitas stuffed with warm bulgur are a nutritious and satisfying meal option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This dish is relatively low in calories and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Pitas stuffed with warm bulgur are a delicious and nutritious meal option that is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. This dish is packed with flavor and texture, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. Enjoy these stuffed pitas with your favorite side dishes and beverages for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Pitas stuffed with Warm Bulgur. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Greece. Maria was known throughout the village for her incredible cooking skills, and she had invited me over to learn some of her family's traditional recipes.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the fragrant smells of herbs and spices, Maria pulled out a worn and tattered notebook. She explained that this notebook was filled with recipes passed down through generations of her family, and she was excited to share one of her favorites with me.

Maria began by showing me how to make the bulgur filling. She started by soaking the bulgur in hot water until it was soft and fluffy. Then, she sautéed onions, garlic, and tomatoes in olive oil until they were caramelized and fragrant. She added the bulgur to the mixture, along with a generous amount of fresh herbs like parsley and mint.

As the filling cooked, Maria told me the story behind this recipe. She explained that in her family, these stuffed pitas were a staple at every family gathering and celebration. They were a symbol of love and unity, as everyone would come together to prepare and enjoy them.

After the filling was ready, Maria showed me how to stuff the pitas. She carefully spooned the warm bulgur mixture into each pita, making sure to pack it in tightly so that every bite would be bursting with flavor. Then, she placed the pitas on a hot griddle and cooked them until they were golden brown and crispy on the outside.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria passed me a plate piled high with the warm, fragrant pitas. I took a bite and was immediately transported back to my childhood. The flavors were so familiar and comforting, reminding me of lazy Sunday afternoons spent in my own grandmother's kitchen.

After that day, I made sure to write down Maria's recipe in my own notebook. Over the years, I have made these stuffed pitas countless times for my own family and friends, always thinking of Maria and the special connection we shared through food.

Each time I make these pitas, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe from Maria, and I will continue to pass it down through the generations of my own family, just as she did with me.

So, the next time you find yourself craving a warm, comforting meal that is sure to bring a smile to your face, why not give these stuffed pitas a try? I promise you won't be disappointed.