Yesterday while I was perusing blogland I came across this recipe for Bulgur Pilaf at Chocolate Covered Vegan, and I think it was divine intervention because I had bulgur in the pantry to use up, and was wanting something healthy, tasty and low-fat for dinner. Or it was a case of “great minds think alike”. I stopped at the grocery store after work and purchased the necessary ingredients, then walked home in the rain.
Then I did a pilates video! I sold my elliptical machine, which I was using nearly every day (when I was being good). I had picked up a Windsor Pilates “Fat Burn” DVD a long time ago for $2.99, and finally unwrapped it and gave it a try. I really like it! I like aerobics and dancersize type workouts, and this one includes a bit of toning and core work as well. I’m hoping wherever we end up living has a room I can do videos like this one, cause I really like ‘em. Also, I’m hoping that my downstairs neighbor who looked like she was moving out last week is actually gone, because I’m quite sure from downstairs I sound like one of those hippos with tutus from Fantasia bouncing around. Old building = squeaky floors and not so good soundproofing.
Afterwards I made dinner. The bulgur pilaf turned out really well, except mine was pretty wet, which I don’t think it is supposed to be. The bulgur still had some water in it from cooking and I tried to let it cook off, but I didn’t want an overcooked, squishy pilaf. The flavor was very good, it tasted healthy in a good way, if you know what I mean. The fresh ginger gave it that extra something. Thanks for the recipe, Katie!
(I could NOT get a decent picture without flash last night, no matter what I did!)
To go with the pilaf and use more of dad’s tomatoes, I made a tomato cucumber salad, with red onion, red wine vinegar, rice vinegar, parsley, s&p.
This was a nice, light summertime meal, and almost fat-free!
VeggieGirl said,
July 17, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
Such a gorgeous, colorful pilaf and salad!!
Jennifer said,
July 17, 2008 @ 2:52 pm
Pilates is a great way to exercise. And I love it because I hate to exercise, but more importantly, I hate getting sweaty, which I do not doing pilates. And it makes your stomach look amazing! I also noticed I had a much easier time lifting things after I started toning my “core”. I don’t do it a lot. But Brett and I will do it together a couple of times a week because he has back problems, and pilates is recommended for strengthening and helping those issues, and I motivate him to actually do it.
Mmmm, that cucumber and tomato salad looks amazing.
ChocolateCoveredVegan said,
July 17, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
Aww, I’m so glad you tried the recipe :o).
Hmm… I usually let the bulgur sit in the fridge, after it’s cooked, to firm up for a few hours before using it in the recipe. I’m going to add that to the directions in my post.
Bulgur is a pretty mushy grain… maybe rice would make it more dense? I’ll have to experiment with different grains.
Your tomato/cucumber salad looks perfect!
On a differen note, I’ve only tried Pilates once, but it was quite fun.
Bianca- Vegan Crunk said,
July 17, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
I really need to make Katie’s pilaf….it looks so good. And so does that tomato and cucumber salad. My marinates tomatoes and cucumbers overnight in this tasty-ass dressing…and I’ve yet to steal her dressing recipe. This is a reminder that I need to that. Thanks!
Bianca- Vegan Crunk said,
July 17, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
I meant, “my mom marinates…” Oops!
Theresa said,
July 17, 2008 @ 11:56 pm
I love Mari Winsor and her pilates, she’s a bit silly sometimes but her workouts are just great. That bulgur pilaf looks good, I’ll have to try to find bulgur around here and give it a try!
Caroline said,
July 18, 2008 @ 12:24 am
Oooh, do I spy some Publix booty? I’ve seen those flax flakes there…what do you think of them?
Your pilaf looks great!
Tofufreak said,
July 18, 2008 @ 12:27 am
yummy pilaf ^_^ i do winsor pilates also, but the ones i have are from her winsor circle edition. they are pretty helpful (when i’m in the right mindset, lol) i do find that, after doing her tapes for like 100+ (no exaggeration) times, her voice gets to ya. just a warning ^_^
julieannef said,
July 18, 2008 @ 12:33 am
Yum-that meal looks great. I really like Pilates. It’s so much more fun than running or some other type of cardio!
Julie
http://kindkitchen.wordpress.com/
Cecilia said,
July 18, 2008 @ 6:02 am
Oh wow … you must be the first person to try out that recipe!! SO QUICK!! I’ve bookmarked that recipe ever since I saw CCV’s post on them … glad to know that it tasted FANTASTIC! Don’t worry about the pic so much … it still looks fabulous to me :0)
shellyfish said,
July 18, 2008 @ 9:23 am
What a score on the price of that pilates video! I enjoy doing pilates (and yoga, but really, I’m a runner at heart). When I was a dancer our company paid for semi-private pilates lessons for a semester (that was cool!), and my body just totally transformed (in a good way). You’ve got me missing pilates now! I need to go try to find me a 2.99 video!!
jessy said,
July 18, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
mmmmmmmmmmmmm! the bulghur looks good to me! and pilates, wow! i do yoga - but never tried pilates. perhaps this is something i should look in to. now i want to make my own cucumber tomato salad - yours looks sooooo good!
Ari (Baking and Books) said,
July 19, 2008 @ 11:15 am
Between pilates and a healthy meal like this, that was one feel-good evening!
Lauren said,
July 19, 2008 @ 11:55 pm
yay for pilates! i love doing them..its so refreshing and fun!
and your cucumber tomato salad looks soo delicious.. i feel the need to make something of that sort asap!
Lisa (Show Me Vegan) said,
July 20, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
Isn’t it fun when blogland brings a perfect idea?
Lizzy said,
July 21, 2008 @ 6:36 am
Mhhh, the salad looks so incredibly good!!