Pourgouri Pilaf

Pourgouri Pilaf Recipe from Cyprus - A Delicious and Easy Meal

Region / culture: Cyprus | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pourgouri pilaf is a delicious and nutritious dish made with cracked wheat, onions, vermicelli, and chicken stock. This flavorful pilaf is a popular dish in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its hearty and satisfying flavors.

History

Pourgouri pilaf has been a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or as a main course. The combination of cracked wheat, onions, and vermicelli creates a rich and flavorful dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of oil (olive, ground nut or sunflower)
1 medium onion, finely sliced
1 oz (25 g) of vermicelli
8 oz (250 g) of pourgouri or boulgouri (cracked wheat)
1.5 glasses (300 ml) of chicken stock
salt and black pepper

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a heavy-based casserole and sauté the onion for a couple of minutes until it softens but doesn't brown.
Stir in the vermicelli, breaking it with your hands. Continue to fry with the onion for a couple of minutes until it begins to absorb the oil.
Rinse the pourgouri under cold water, then add it to the casserole.
Add the stock and seasoning. Cover and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes or until all the stock is absorbed.
Let the pilafi sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs for a Mediterranean twist.
Stir in cooked chickpeas or lentils for added protein and fiber.
Top with toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse the pourgouri under cold water before adding it to the casserole to remove any excess starch.

- Breaking the vermicelli with your hands helps it to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the dish.

- Letting the pilaf sit for 10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more delicious dish.

Serving Suggestions

Pourgouri pilaf can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onions until they are soft and translucent to build flavor in the dish.

- Simmer the pilaf gently to allow the flavors to meld together and the pourgouri to absorb the stock.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of this dish.

- Substitute quinoa or rice for the pourgouri for a different texture and flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Pourgouri pilaf can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve pourgouri pilaf in a large serving bowl and garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pourgouri pilaf pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of pourgouri pilaf 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

Each serving of pourgouri pilaf contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Pourgouri pilaf is a great source of carbohydrates, with the cracked wheat providing a healthy dose of complex carbs that are essential for energy.

Fats

The oil used in this recipe provides healthy fats that are essential for overall health and well-being.

Proteins

While this dish is not high in protein, you can easily add protein by serving it with grilled chicken, lamb, or chickpeas.

Vitamins and minerals

Pourgouri pilaf is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies.

Summary

Pourgouri pilaf is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Summary

Pourgouri pilaf is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this flavorful pilaf as a side dish or as a main course, and savor the rich and hearty flavors of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through my kitchen window as I sifted through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a worn piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I bent down to pick it up and saw that it was a recipe for Pourgouri Pilaf, written in my grandmother's delicate hand.

I felt a rush of nostalgia as memories flooded back to me. I remembered sitting in my grandmother's kitchen as a young girl, watching her cook and learning the secrets of her delicious recipes. Pourgouri Pilaf was one of my favorites, a comforting dish made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices.

I decided to recreate the recipe that day, following the instructions carefully and adding my own twist to it. As the aromas filled my kitchen, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who had come before me, sharing their love and knowledge through food.

The Pourgouri Pilaf turned out just as I remembered it - flavorful and satisfying, with a perfect balance of textures and flavors. I couldn't wait to share it with my own family and pass on the recipe to future generations.

As I sat down to enjoy the meal, I thought about the journey that had led me to this moment. I had learned so much from my grandmother and others who had shared their recipes with me over the years. Each dish was a story, a memory, a connection to the past that brought me joy and comfort in the present.

I realized that cooking was more than just following a recipe - it was a way to honor the traditions and heritage of my family, to keep their stories alive through the food we shared. And so, I vowed to continue exploring new recipes, learning from others, and passing on the knowledge and love that had been passed down to me.

In the end, Pourgouri Pilaf was not just a dish on my table - it was a piece of my history, a link to my past, and a reminder of the love and legacy that had shaped me into the cook I was today. And for that, I would always be grateful.