Skip to main content

Bulgur Pilaf with Raisins and Pine Nuts

This grand bulgur pilaf spread throughout the countries that were part of the Ottoman Empire. It is used as a side dish and a stuffing.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6-8

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups chicken stock (page 143) (or you may use a bouillon cube) or water
3 cups (1 pound) coarse-ground bulgur, washed in cold water and drained
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup pine nuts
4–5 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
1/3 cup black or golden raisins, soaked in water for 1/2 hour

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring the water or stock to boil in a pan. Add the bulgur, salt (taking into account the saltiness of the stock), and pepper and stir, then cook, covered, on very low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the grain tender. Turn off the heat and leave, covered, for 10 minutes, or until the grain is plump and tender.

    Step 2

    Fry the pine nuts in a tablespoon of the butter or oil, shaking the pan until golden. Stir it into the bulgur with the remaining butter or oil and the drained raisins and heat through.

Cover of Claudia Roden's The New Book of Middle Easter Food, featuring a blue filigree bowl filled with Meyer lemons and sprigs of mint.
Reprinted with permission from The New Book of Middle Eastern Food, copyright © 2000 by Claudia Roden, published by Knopf. Buy the full book on Amazon or Bookshop.
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.