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LunchDinnerMain Course

Bulgur Pilaf With Chickpeas

This hearty vegan bulgur pilaf is a simple yet flavorful one-pot meal. It combines tender bulgur wheat with protein-rich chickpeas and a savory tomato base. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
45 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Per serving
414 kcal
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VeganVegetarian

Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Bulgur Pilaf With Chickpeas

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • 1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 clovegarlic, minced
  • 2 tbsptomato paste
  • 1 tbspred pepper paste
  • 1.5 cupmedium bulgur, rinsed
  • 3 cupvegetable broth, warm
  • 1 cancanned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tspsalt
  • 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground

garnish

  • 0.25 cupfresh parsley, chopped(optional)

Equipment

large pot · wooden spoon

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.

    About 1 min

  2. 2

    Add the yellow onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

    About 6 min

  3. 3

    Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the garlic.

  4. 4

    Add the tomato paste and red pepper paste, cooking and stirring for 2-3 minutes to deepen their flavor.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Cooking the pastes helps release their full flavor.

  5. 5

    Add the rinsed medium bulgur, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.

    About 1 min

  6. 6

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.

    About 15 min

    Cook’s note: Do not lift the lid during simmering to retain steam.

  7. 7

    After 15 minutes, stir in the chickpeas, cover again, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the bulgur has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.

    About 5 min

  8. 8

    Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: This resting period allows the bulgur to fully fluff up.

  9. 9

    Fluff the pilaf with a fork, then serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
413.5kcal
Protein
14.9g
Carbs
73g
Fat
8.6g
Fibre
17.5g
Sugar
4.8g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover bulgur pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

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