Skip to main content
A bowl of Switzerland's top chef Silvano Braga's Pourgouri, Cypriot bulgur pilaf, garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges.

Pourgouri Cypriot Bulgur Pilaf

Pourgouri, a light and fluffy Cypriot bulgur pilaf, is perfect as a side dish or a wholesome main course.
Try my Pourgouri recipe, a tasty Pourgouri Cypriot Bulgur Pilaf cooked with tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices for a nutritious meal.

Total Time
30 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
chef-silvano-braga-background-recipes-left-side-002
Simple & Professional Tasty Recipes

Ingredients for 4 Servings

  • 250g bulgur wheat
    1 onion, finely chopped
    2 tomatoes, diced
    3 tbsp olive oil
    1 tsp cumin
    Salt and pepper to taste
    500ml vegetable or chicken broth

Total Time

  • Preparation Time
    10 minutes
  • Cooking Time
    20 minutes

Goes Great with

Method
    1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft.
    2. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
    3. Stir in the bulgur wheat, cumin, salt, and pepper, and pour in the broth.
    4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the bulgur is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
    5. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
    Pro Tips
    • Add chopped peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables.
    • Serve with a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon for added flavour.
    • Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish.
    • Pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
    • Use it as a filling for stuffed vegetables, such as peppers or tomatoes.
    • Enjoy it as a base for a grain bowl with various toppings like olives, feta, and herbs.

Notes

Bulgur Pilaf, known as Pourgouri Pilafi in Cyprus, is a traditional dish made with bulgur wheat, which is a whole grain made from cracked wheat. This pilaf is a staple in Cypriot and Middle Eastern cuisine, and it’s cherished for its nutty flavor, fluffy texture, and versatility.

What is Bulgur Pilaf?

Bulgur pilaf is essentially a grain-based dish where bulgur wheat is cooked with various aromatics, such as onions, garlic, tomatoes, and often seasoned with broth or stock. The dish can be made with different ingredients, including vegetables, meats, or legumes, depending on personal taste and regional variations. It’s a healthy, nutritious side dish that’s high in fiber and protein, making it a great accompaniment to many main dishes like grilled meats, stews, or even on its own.

Goes Great with