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?
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
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
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