Armenian Bulger Pilaf Salad ( Eetch )

      

Eetch ( also known as eech , itch or metch ) is a traditional Armenian sidedish made principally from bulger . its typical red color is derived from crushed or pureed tomatoes. Other ingredients include onion , parsley , olive oil , lemon , paprika and bell peppers.

Eetch can be eaten cold or warm. It is colloquially known as kheyma due to its characteristics as a vegetarian form of kheyma.

It will be a excellent option for lunchbox instead of rice , good for weight watchers.

Ingredients :

1 cup bulger wheat

1 tsp olive oil

4 tbs chopped onion

2 tomatoes

1 tsp Lemon juice

Salt to taste

Pepper

½ tsp Jalapeno chopped

2 tbs chopped Bellpepper

chopped Parsley

1 – 2  cup hot water

Method :

 Blanch the tomatoes , remove skin and grind into puree.

 Wash the bulger and add the hot water to it and close with the lid and let it stand for 30 minutes or till all the water absorbs.

  Sauté the chopped onion in the olive oil.

 Mix all other ingredients together and add this to the bulger and mix in the tomato puree.

Add the pepper and salt , adjust the seasoning to taste.

Let it stand for 30 minutes and serve.

Serve this healthy salad or entrée  at room temperature with grilled chicken or lamb.