Herbed Bulgar Lentil Pilaf Recipes

BULGUR LENTIL PILAF WITH TAHINI-HERB SAUCE

Steps:

• For the pilaf: Bring the water and lentils to a boil in a medium saucepan. Adjust the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, fry the onions in the olive oil over medium heat until well browned, about 12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the onions, bulgur, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to the pan with the lentils, bring to a full simmer, and then cook covered for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for an additional 15 minutes. Transfer pilaf to a platter and top with the tomato and herbs. Serve drizzled with the Tahini-herb sauce.
• Puree all the ingredients in a blender or a mini food processor to make a pale green sauce. (This can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.) Note: This sauce is also great used as a dip, spread, or salad dressing.

BULGUR WHEAT AND LENTIL PILAF

Steps:

• Wash and pick over the lentils. Place them in a saucepan with the water, bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain the lentils immediately and set them aside.
• Put the chicken stock in the saucepan, bring to a boil, add the bulgur wheat, salt and drained lentils and bring to a boil again. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over low heat in a large, preheated skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring often, for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Add the bulgur-lentil mixture to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with a green salad.

BULGUR PILAF WITH CHICKPEAS AND HERBS

Steps:

• Drain the soaked chickpeas, and place in a pot with 1 quart water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer one hour. Add salt to taste and continue to simmer for 30 minutes to an hour, until the chickpeas are tender.
• Place the bulgur in a 2-quart bowl. Place a strainer over the bowl, and drain the chickpeas so that the hot broth covers the bulgur. Set the chickpeas aside. Cover the bowl, and allow the bulgur to sit until fluffy, about 20 to 30 minutes. Strain and press out excess liquid.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet, and add the scallions. Cook, stirring, until tender, two or three minutes. Stir in the garlic, and continue to cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Stir in the bulgur and chickpeas. Add the herbs and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and toss together. Remove from the heat, add lemon juice and pepper, taste and adjust salt. Add more lemon juice if desired. Serve hot or room temperature.