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Spiced Beef, Bulgur and Tomato Pilaf

Spiced Beef, Bulgur and Tomato Pilaf

By Malcolm JacksonOctober 18, 2023

  • Makes
    4 to 6 servings
  • Cook Time
    40 minutes
  • Active time plus cooling
    20 minutes active
  • Rating

Bulgur, made by cracking, cooking then drying whole-grain wheat, stars in this Middle Eastern-style pilaf. To bring out the grains’ nutty taste, we first toast them in a dry pan. Then we brown tomato paste with onion, which boosts the umami and sweetness and builds layers of flavor. This is especially delicious topped with Greek yogurt seasoned with grated garlic, chopped fresh mint or parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Be sure to use coarse bulgur here, rather than finely ground; the hearty texture of coarse bulgur holds up well when cooked for a pilaf.

Ingredients
  • 8

    ounces 80 percent lean ground beef OR ground lamb

  • 2

    medium garlic cloves, minced

  • 1

    teaspoon ground cumin OR sweet paprika OR both

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 1

    cup coarse bulgur

  • 2

    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1

    medium red onion, chopped

  • 6

    ounce can (⅔ cup) tomato paste

Step 1

In a medium bowl, stir together the beef, half of the garlic, the cumin, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper; set aside. In a medium saucepan over medium, toast the bulgur, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl; set aside.

Step 2

In the same saucepan over low, combine the oil, onion, tomato paste, the remaining garlic and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until the paste browns and slightly sticks to the pan, about 5 minutes. Add the beef mixture and cook, breaking the meat into small bits, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in the bulgur and 1 cup water. Cover, increase to medium-low and cook without stirring until the liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes.

Step 3

Remove the pan from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Using a fork, fluff the bulgur mixture. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Optional garnish: Greek yogurt OR chopped fresh mint OR flat-leaf parsley OR lemon wedges OR a combination