Plenty of Tomato Paste and Pepper: Tavern-Style Rice Recipe

Known for being healthier than rice and a staple of many meals, bulgur will be even more loved in this form. Also known as tavern-style bulgur pilaf, it gains its flavor from vegetables like dried onions, garlic, and peppers included in the recipe. Its intense red color comes from tomato paste or grated tomatoes used depending on the season.

With this vegetable-rich tavern-style rice dish, you don't need to consider another main course.

How many calories are in tavern-style rice pilaf?

290/kcal

Ingredients for Tavern-Style Rice Recipe

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 medium-sized onion
• 3 medium green peppers
• 2 medium-sized red bell peppers
• 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1/2 tablespoon red pepper paste
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups of bulgur for pilaf
• 10 cherry tomatoes
• 3 cups of hot water

The Secret to Perfect Tavern-Style Rice Pilaf Recipe

Cook the rice over low heat, without stirring too much. If you are using cherry tomatoes instead of grated tomatoes, add them after adding the chicken broth. Cook the rice without stirring.

How to Make Tavern-Style Rice Pilaf?

• For the tavern-style rice pilaf, heat 2 tablespoons each of butter and olive oil in a wide-bottomed rice pot. Sauté 1 finely chopped onion over medium heat until lightly browned.
• Once the onions have browned, add the chopped 3 green peppers and 2 red peppers and continue stirring.
• Next, add 1.5 cups of bulgur to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
• Add 2 thinly sliced ​​garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, half a tablespoon of red pepper paste, and 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper, and sauté until the pastes release their aroma.
• Add 10 cherry tomatoes, halved.
• Add 3 cups of hot water and cook over high heat for the first 3-4 minutes, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
• Keep the lid closed until your rice is nicely cooked and has absorbed all the water, then let it rest.
• Your tavern-style rice dish is ready, enjoy!

Cooking Suggestions for the Tavern-Style Rice Recipe

Once the rice has slowly absorbed the water, cover it with a paper towel and close the lid of the rice pot. Serve the rice warm. You can use grated tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes, and increase the amount of tomato paste as desired. If desired, you can use hot beef broth instead of chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions for Meyhane Pilaf Recipe

You can serve it with fresh greens, yogurt, and pickles.

Which region does Meyhane Pilavı (tavern rice dish) originate from?

It is frequently prepared in Aegean and Mediterranean cuisine.

Can Tavern-Style Rice Pilaf be Made Without Meat?

Meyhane pilaf is prepared without meat.

Can Tavern-Style Rice Be Eaten the Next Day?

Tavern-style rice can be eaten the next day as well.

What goes well with tavern-style rice pilaf?

Grilled meats, meatballs, tzatziki, and yogurt-based appetizers would make a delicious accompaniment.