Eggplant Bulgur Pilaf

If you’re looking for a healthy, fiber-rich, and flavor-packed side dish, Eggplant Bulgur Pilaf is the perfect choice. Combining the nutty taste of bulgur with the smoky flavor of eggplant, this traditional recipe from Turkish cuisine offers both nutrition and satisfaction. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, yogurt, or even on its own as a light main course.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 green pepper, chopped

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1.5 cups coarse bulgur

• 3 cups hot water or vegetable broth

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Peel the eggplants in stripes and dice them. Soak in salted water for 10 minutes to remove bitterness, then drain.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan. Add eggplants and sauté until lightly golden, then set aside.

3. In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and green pepper until softened.

4. Add tomato paste, cook for 1 minute, then add diced tomatoes and cook until softened.

5. Stir in the bulgur, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

6. Pour in hot water or vegetable broth. Add the sautéed eggplants back to the pan.

7. Cover and cook on low heat until the bulgur absorbs the liquid (about 15-20 minutes).

8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with parsley.

This Eggplant Bulgur Pilaf is a comforting, wholesome dish that brings the essence of Mediterranean flavors to your table. Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, it’s bound to be a recipe you’ll return to again and again.