This is a great recipe. It's also a kid friendly recipe, quick and easy to make, and by adding carrot & zucchini you add more goodness to an already healthy meal. If you want the traditional Bourgouri recipe, follow the below exactly but without carrot & zucchini. Also it worthy to note that carrots and zucchini do not change the flavour.
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients:
1 medium onion (chopped finely)
1 carrot (chopped finely)
1 dark zucchini (chopped finely - you can peel half of it to minimize green colour in food)
2 medium tomatoes (pureed)
1 smallish cup bulgar wheat
Handful of short vermicelli pasta
1.5 cups of water
Season to taste
Olive oil (just to lightly cover the pan)
Chopping: This seems like it takes a long time, but I use an electric chopper which really cuts down the job to seconds really. After cleaning the veggies, I chop each separately and I also puree the tomato. All with the same device - same setting. As i chop I add to the pan from the chopping container so no extra bowls to clean.
Directions:
Place olive oil in a medium sized pot on medium-high heat. When the oil is hot add the onion, once it changes colour add carrot and zucchini, stir. Let it shallow fry for a minute or so. Add the handful of short vermicelli, stir and wait a minute or so until it changes colour slightly.
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Onions, carrots, zucchini & vermicelli |
Then add tomato puree. Stir and after a minute add one cup of bulgar wheat, stir well and add 1.5 cups of water. Season to taste with salt/pepper. I use Podravka's Vegeta seasoning. Cover.
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The size of glass I use when measuring bourgouri. Its next to the standard sized cup for easy comparison. |
Bring to boil. Once the first bubbles appear turn down the heat to lowest setting and let stand for a few minutes. The bulgar wheat will soak up the water and become soft. Be careful not to add too much water or it will become mushy.
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This is what it should look like, but a little more red. I forgot to add the tomato puree when making it this time. |
Serve with yoghurt and a side of grilled chicken.
Comment on Vegeta: This is my favorite Croatian seasoning and I use it when cooking on just about everything. I use it instead of salt since it has salt in it. My grandma used it, my mom, and well you know how it goes.
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Vegeta |
You can find it pretty much in any ethnic food shop or on Amazon, but in Cyprus I know that the Slovak Shop carries it for a very good price. There is also something similar in the market which you can find in any supermarket, its Maggi's Bio seasoning powder. I haven't used it but have heard good things.
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