Prepare the ingredients: Finely chop the red onion and mince the garlic.
Sauté the Onion: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and begins to caramelize. This step builds the flavor base of the dish.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the aroma to release. Be careful not to let it burn. In the meantime, grate the carrot.
Incorporate Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step enhances the tomato flavor and adds a rich color to the pilaf. Stir in paprika.
Add Grated Carrot: Stir in the grated carrot and cook for 1-2 minutes. The carrot’s natural sweetness balances the tanginess of the tomato paste.
Mix in the Bulgur: Add the fine bulgur to the pan, stirring well to coat it with the tomato mixture. This ensures the grains absorb all the flavors.
Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure it covers the bulgur completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Pilaf: Let the pilaf cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring from time to time, until all the liquid is absorbed. If the bulgur is still slightly undercooked, you can add a splash of water or broth and cook for another minute or two.
Serve I use it as a side to have with other veggies and some protein. It's great to meal prep ahead too!