Armenia - Eech

A delicious and healthy Mediterranean plant-based meal

Aneri's note: I didn't know much about Armenia other than that Kim Kardashian's dad was Armenian. However, did you know this country has the oldest winery in the world? Armenia is full of vegan and vegetarian dishes, so much so that there are entire cookbooks specializing on this. Thus this dish is just a snapshot of a fabulous food zone for plant-based travelers! Eatcation anyone?

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Eech

Difficulty level (1-10): 3

Eech is a flavorful and healthy vegan salad dish. Can be eaten warm or cold. Bulgar is a delicious ancient grain which you should be able to find at an any Arab grocer.

Ingredients:

Bulgar - 1 cup

Fresh Parsley - 1/2 cup chopped

Onion - 1, diced

Garlic - 2 cloves, minced

Red bell pepper - 1, chopped

Olive oil - 2 TB

Tomatoes - 3, chopped

Tomato paste - 2 TB

Lemon - 1

Paprika - 1 TB

Dry red chili - 1

Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe:

1. Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat and add bell pepper, chili, and onion, and salt. Stir until beginning to brown, 6 - 8 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.

2. Add tomatoes, tomato paste and the juice of 1 lemon. Add 2 cups of water.

3. Bring to a boil and add paprika, salt and pepper.

4. Add the bulgur, bring to simmer, cover the pan and let sit until liquid is absorbed and bulgur is tender (about 15 min) or (4 min in Instant Pot)

5. Stir in chopped parsley

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Want to try more Armenian dishes? Here are some of my recommendations:

Armenian Vegan Cookbook by Dikranouhi Kirazian for 200+ recipes!

Recipes from The Vegan Armenian Kitchen Cookbook by Lena Tashjian

Lots of vegetarian listings on the Armenian Kitchen. See Ghapama, the stuffed pumpkin in particular!

Cabbage Dolma by Hilda's Kitchen

Mshosh, a lentil salad by Curious Cuisinaire

Zhingalov Khats, herb flatbread by Food Perestroika