Eetch (Armenian Warm Cracked Bulgur, Roasted Tomato, Bell Pepper & Aleppo Pepper Pilaf) – Authentic Armenia Recipe

Ingredients for Eetch (Armenian Warm Cracked Bulgur, Roasted Tomato, Bell Pepper & Aleppo Pepper Pilaf) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) fine bulgur wheat, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups crushed ripe tomatoes and tomato paste, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup sweet bell peppers and scallions
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with Aleppo pepper (pul biber)
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Armenia seasoning (ground cumin, allspice, lemon juice, flat-leaf parsley)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat; sauté the onion, garlic, and Aleppo pepper (pul biber) until golden.
2. Add ground cumin, allspice, lemon juice, flat-leaf parsley along with fine bulgur wheat and crushed ripe tomatoes and tomato paste, searing for 4–5 minutes to build savory depth.
3. Stir in the rinsed grains/rice so every grain is coated in the spiced oil, then pour in warm stock.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and tender.
5. Rest off the heat for 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork, and garnish with sweet bell peppers and scallions.