April 18 - Easy Bulgur (Cracked Wheat) Pilav - Sebzeli Bulgur Pilavi

Prep. Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 15-20 min
6 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Turkish bulgur, large grain, washed and drained
• 2 cups hot water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, diced (optional)
• 1 green pepper, chunk
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt 

1. Saute the onion with the vegetable oil in a medium-sized pot. 
2. Add the tomato (optional), green pepper, green onion, salt and warm chicken broth. 
3. When the water stars bubbling, pour in the bulgur add butter and stir. 
4. Cook on low heat with the lid half covered. 
5. Stir occasionally until the water evaporates.

Bon appetitte! 

December 13 - Pilav - Turkish Style Rice

Prep. Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: 15-20 min
8 Servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice,
• 3 cups boiling water,
• 1 tbsp vermicelli 
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt

1. Saute the vermicelli with vegetable oil while stirring until it gets golden brown.
2. Add rice and continue to saute for about 5 more minutes.
3. Add boiling water, butter, salt and rice.
4. Cover, turn the heat to low and cook until the rice absorbs all water.
5. Turn off the heat
6. Take the cooking pot away from the heat. Open the lid, place a clean kitchen towel across the top of the pot on the rim and cover. Let the Pilaf stand for about 5 minutes. We call this brewing time. Then serve and enjoy!

* Don't stir Pilaf while it's cooking.
* Don't use a spoon to fluff Pilaf. Use a wooden or regular fork for it.