Chicken Pomegranate Bulgur Pilaf Recipes

PERSIAN CHICKEN PILAF

Steps:

• Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes. Rinse and drain.
• Meanwhile, heat a glug of oil in a shallow casserole with a lid and, in batches, brown the chicken all over. Remove and set aside.
• In the same casserole, melt the butter, then add the cinnamon stick, zest, pomegranate molasses and raisins. Fry for 2 minutes, then remove from the pan and set aside.
• Spoon a thin layer of washed rice over the bottom of the casserole. In a large bowl, toss the remaining rice with the set-aside fruit/zest/spices and season well. Spoon into the casserole, then top with the chicken, pushing the pieces into the rice. Pour over the water. Using a chopstick (or similar), make 4-5 holes in the rice and pour over the saffron and its cooking water. Wrap the casserole lid in a clean tea towel and cover the pan, tucking in the ends away from the flame. Cook gently for 30 minutes.
• Spoon onto a platter and top with pine nuts, herbs and fried onions, then serve with yogurt.

BULGUR PILAF

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes and green peppers, and continue to cook with the onions until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the bulgur, cumin, salt and pepper, and stir to combine until the bulgur is completely coated in the tomato paste, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the chickpeas on top along with 3 cups of chicken broth or water and stir to combine. Remove from heat, close the lid and allow the bulgur to absorb the liquid for 10 minutes. Open the lid and fluff with a fork.
• Serve with chopped parsley and fresh vegetables, if desired.

POMEGRANATE QUINOA PILAF

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute the onion until translucent and fragrant. Add the quinoa and stir to coat. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, pomegranate seeds, scallions, parsley, lemon juice, zest, and sugar. Add the quinoa and season with salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with toasted, slivered almonds.
• Serves: 6; Calories: 248; Total Fat: 12.5 grams; Saturated Fat: 1 gram; Protein: 9 grams; Total carbohydrates: 27 grams; Sugar: 4 grams; Fiber: 4 grams; Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; Sodium: 109 milligrams

CHICKEN & POMEGRANATE BULGUR PILAF

Steps:

• Heat a little oil in a large casserole dish (with a tight-fitting lid). Coat the chicken pieces with some seasoning, and half of the spice mix and add to the pan, brown well on all sides.
• Add the remaining spice mix and cook for 1 min. Pour over the stock, season and stir, then cover and cook for 25 mins over a low-medium heat.
• Remove the lid, increase the heat to a medium simmer and add the bulgur wheat. Cook for 10 mins, then re-cover, turn off the heat and leave to stand for a further 10 mins.
• When all the liquid has been absorbed and the bulgur wheat is tender, stir through the chopped mint and scatter over the pomegranate seeds.