Bulgur Pilaf With Dried Fruit And Nuts Recipes

BULGUR PILAF WITH DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS

Steps:

• Place the apricots and prunes in a bowl, cover with water and soak overnight or for several hours. Place a strainer over a bowl, and drain the dried fruit. Cut in thin slices.
• Measure out 2 cups of the soaking water (or add enough water to make 2 cups), and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the bulgur, and stir constantly for a few minutes until the bulgur smells toasty. Add the salt, dried fruit and water, and bring to a boil. Boil for five minutes, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for eight to 10 minutes until the water has been absorbed. Remove from the heat, cover with a clean dish towel and place a lid over the towel. Allow the bulgur to sit for 15 minutes.
• Spoon the bulgur into a serving dish, top with the nuts and serve with plain yogurt on the side.

FRUIT AND NUT BULGUR PILAF

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat; cook and stir bulgur until toasted. Stir in salt, pepper and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until tender and liquid is almost absorbed, 10-12 minutes., Stir in 1/3 cup each of the almonds, raisins, cranberries and apricots. Serve with the remaining almonds and fruit.

BULGUR PILAF WITH DATES, DRIED APRICOTS, AND TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; stir 1 minute. Add bulgur and sauté 5 minutes. Stir in dates, apricots, cinnamon stick, and curry powder. Add broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until bulgur is tender and broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Stir in green onions. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer pilaf to bowl. Sprinkle with walnuts and serve.
• Bulgur, or cracked wheat, is available at natural foods stores and supermarkets.

BULGUR PILAF WITH DRIED APRICOTS

Steps:

• Cook onion in oil in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes.
• Add spices and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in remaining ingredients with 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, until liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
• Fluff with a fork before serving.

WILD RICE AND BULGUR PILAF WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES

Steps:

• Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add onion, celery, cranberries and bulgur.
• Cook until wheat is browned, 3-4 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
• Add cooked wild rice, broth, and thyme.
• Stir well.
• Simmer, covered, until wheat is cooked (about 15 minutes).
• Stir in green onions.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• This can be served immediately (while warm), or you can make it 1-2 days ahead and refrigerate.
• To reheat, cover and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

SIMPLE BULGUR PILAF

Steps:

• Heat olive oil and saute onions until soft.
• Turn heat up to high and add mushrooms, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are cooked and nicely browned.
• Add bulgur, stir and cook briefly, 1-2 minutes.
• Add water, mix once, then cover and cook over low heat until all water is absorbed, about 25 minutes.
• Fluff briefly before serving.