Armenian Eech (Tomato Bulgur Salad)
Eech is a hearty and flavorful Armenian salad made primarily from bulgur wheat, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It's a versatile dish that can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, and is often enjoyed during Lent as a satisfying meat-free meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Fine bulgur wheat
- 0.5 cup Olive oil(plus more for sautéing)
- 1 Large onion(finely chopped)
- 1 Bell pepper(any color, finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) Crushed tomatoes(or 2 cups fresh puréed tomatoes)
- 1.5 cups Water
- 0.25 cup Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 tsp Aleppo pepper(or paprika)
- 0.5 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 0.25 cup Fresh mint(chopped (optional))
- 2 Green onions(sliced, for garnish)
👨‍🍳 Instructions
- 1
Sauté vegetables: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add tomato base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until slightly darkened. Add the crushed tomatoes, water, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and Aleppo pepper (or paprika). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- 3
Incorporate bulgur: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the fine bulgur wheat until well combined. Cover the pan tightly and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
đź’ˇ Tip: Ensure the bulgur is fully submerged in the liquid. - 4
Add herbs and finish: Fluff the bulgur mixture with a fork. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and mint (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
đź’ˇ Tip: Adding herbs after cooking preserves their fresh flavor and color. - 5
Serve: Eech can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Drizzle with extra olive oil and garnish with sliced green onions before serving. It's delicious served on lettuce leaves or as a side dish.
đź’ˇ Tip: This salad often improves in flavor after resting for a few hours or overnight.
đź’ˇ Pro Tips
- âś“Use fine bulgur for the best texture; coarser grains may require more liquid and cooking time.
- âś“Adjust the amount of lemon juice and spices to your personal preference.
- âś“Eech is a great make-ahead dish, as the flavors meld beautifully over time.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include finely chopped garlic sautéed with the onions.
- Add a pinch of cumin for an earthy note.