Embark on a culinary journey to Armenia with a delectable dish that harmonizes the goodness of bulgur wheat and lentils, enveloped in a vibrant tapestry of sweet peppers. This hearty and flavorful vegetarian delight, known as Armenian Bulgur Wheat and Lentils with Sweet Peppers, promises a symphony of textures and a delightful dance of flavors.
Indulge in three variations of this delectable dish, each offering a unique twist. The first recipe stays true to tradition, featuring a harmonious blend of bulgur wheat, lentils, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. The second recipe introduces a delightful tang with the addition of tangy sumac, while the third recipe adds a touch of smokiness with the inclusion of roasted red peppers.
ARMENIAN BULGUR WHEAT AND LENTILS WITH SWEET PEPPERS
A delicious meatless main course or hearty appetizer. This is adapted from a recipe in Feast From the Mideast by Faye Levy, with a few minor changes. Her recipe includes parsley, which you may add at the last step, but I'm not a big parsley fan so I omit it. I recently discovered bulgur wheat and am looking for more ways to enjoy this delicious, easy-to-use grain.
Provided by Dan H
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine the lentils and broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium heat, and cook covered for 20 minutes. Drain the liquid, then add water to make 2 cups and reserve.
- Meanwhile, saute the peppers in 1 tablespoon of the oil on medium heat, stirring often, for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Saute the onion in 2-3 tablespoons oil, on medium heat, for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Add half of the onions to the lentils. Add the reserved liquid, salt to taste, and the bulgur wheat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cook covered for 20 minutes.
- Remove cover, turn off the stove, and add the peppers and the remaining onions. Do not stir, allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- Add the black pepper, paprika and cayenne pepper, and green onion, and toss to mix spices and ingredients.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 416.6, Fat 18.5, SaturatedFat 2.7, Sodium 391.5, Carbohydrate 47.4, Fiber 19, Sugar 5.9, Protein 17.5
RED LENTIL AND BULGUR KUFTEH
I adapted this from an Armenian recipe that I found on the back of my packet of red lentils. Kufteh (Persian), köfte (Turkish), and kibbeh (Arabic) are round walnut size patties usually made from pounded meat (the word means "pounded") but sometimes made with fish or vegetable pulp, mixed with fine bulgur, herbs, and spices. Serve this vegetarian version as an appetizer or a side dish.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Time 1h30m
Yield about 30 kufteh, serving 6 to 8 as an hors d'oeuvre.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine the lentils and water in a large saucepan, bring to a boil, skim off any foam, reduce the heat, add salt to taste and simmer 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and most but not all of the water is absorbed.
- Place the bulgur in a bowl, mix with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pour in the lentils with their liquid. Stir together, then cover and let sit for 30 minutes, until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-low heat and add the onion. Cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden and very tender. Stir often. Add the ground cumin and stir together for about 30 seconds, then stir into the lentils and bulgur.
- Moisten your hands with water and knead the mixture in the bowl for 3 to 5 minutes. Each time it begins to stick to your hands, moisten them again, and this will moisten the mixture. If it seems very dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of water. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 cup of the minced parsley, and for a spicier mixture add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper. Taste and adjust salt.
- Moisten your hands and shape the mixture into walnut-size balls (about 1 inch). You'll have to moisten your hands again whenever the mixture begins to stick to them. Place on a platter and sprinkle with the remaining parsley. Garnish with scallions, romaine lettuce leaves and lemon wedges, and serve, or chill for several hours. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 122, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 223 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram
BULGUR WHEAT AND LENTIL PILAF
Provided by Robert Farrar Capon
Categories easy, side dish
Time 1h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
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.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 313, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 44 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 13 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 512 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams
ARMENIAN LENTIL AND BULGUR CAKES
A vegetarian kibbee from The Cuisine of Armenia. Great with cucumber and tomato salad, tzatziki, pita, rice pilaf, etc. I leave the red/green pepper per family preferences.
Provided by winkki
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 50m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine lentils, water and salt in heavy saucepan.
- Bring to boil; simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 min, adding more hot water if needed.
- Add 1/2 cup of the butter and all the bulgur; simmer 2-3 minute Remove from heat and cover; set aside 15 minute.
- In heavy skillet, melt remaining 1/4 cup butter over med heat.
- Add onion and saute until golden brown; stir frequently.
- In large mixing bowl combine sauteed onions with lentil and bulgur mixture.
- Wet hands in warm water and knead mixture until well blended, 2-3 minutes.
- (Wet hands again as needed).
- Add 3 Tbsp each: peppers, green onions, parsley and mint to mixture and mix well.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Keeping hands moistened, form mixture into 1/2" thick patties.
- Arrange on serving dish; sprinkle with reserved sweet pepper, green onions, parsley and mint.
- Season to taste with paprika.
- (If you prefer your kibbee baked, place on oiled baking sheet and place in 375F oven until golden brown-- I never do this so am not sure how long it would take- 10-15 min?).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 583.8, Fat 35.5, SaturatedFat 22, Cholesterol 91.5, Sodium 300.7, Carbohydrate 53.2, Fiber 20.7, Sugar 2.7, Protein 16.7
Tips:
- Use a variety of vegetables. This recipe calls for sweet peppers, but you can also use other vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, or zucchini.
- Don't overcook the bulgur wheat or lentils. They should be cooked until they are tender but still have a slight bite to them.
- Add some herbs and spices to taste. This recipe uses a simple combination of salt and pepper, but you can also add other herbs and spices such as cumin, coriander, or paprika.
- Serve the dish with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream. This will add a creamy richness to the dish.
Conclusion:
Armenian bulgur wheat and lentils with sweet peppers is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Give it a try!
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