Fresh Herb and Mushroom Pilaf

(Alafaşı aka Otlu Pilav - Antalya - Mediterranean Region)

3/4 cup bulgur or rice (large or long grain), rinsed
1 small onion, sliced
4-5 mushrooms, cleaned, chopped
3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup crushed tomato, canned
1 tbsp red pepper paste
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/4 cup hot water
Salt
Pepper

Fresh Herbs:
Parsley, washed, finely chopped
Dill, washed, finely chopped
Swiss chard leafs, washed, finely chopped
Spinach leafs, washed, finely chopped
Kale leaves, washed, finely chopped
Mallow, washed, finely chopped and more...

Saute the onion and mushrooms with olive oil until it is softened at medium heat. Add the crushed tomato and red pepper paste, stir. Continue to saute for about 2-3 more minutes. Then add the bulgur (or rice), water, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper, stir. Cover and start to cook pilaf at very low heat.

Check the Pilaf, when you start seeing holes towards the end add the herbs, stir. Close the lid and continue cooking until the pilaf is done, ie. when all the liquid has evaporated. Let the Pilaf stand for about 5 minutes. Serve the Pilaf with Herbs with Ayran or Ayran with Fresh Mint Leaves or with your favorite Compote.

2 servings.