Kisir (Turkish Bulgur Salad)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fine bulgur (brown bulgur is preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup hot water
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ tablespoon pepper paste (optional)
• ½ lemon, squeezed
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
• 4 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 cucumber, finely chopped
• ½ cup parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• A few fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• Lettuce leaves, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare Bulgur:

   • In a large bowl, combine bulgur with dried mint, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
   • Pour hot water over the bulgur, stir, then cover with a lid or kitchen towel. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the bulgur absorbs the water and softens.

2. Cook Onion Mixture:

   • Heat ½ cup of olive oil in a pan. Sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent.
   • Add tomato paste (and pepper paste if using) and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Once the bulgur has absorbed the water, add the cooked onion mixture to the bulgur and stir well.
   • Mix in the lemon juice and pomegranate molasses, and stir thoroughly.

4. Add Fresh Ingredients:

   • Fold in the chopped green onions, tomato (if using), cucumber, parsley, dill, and fresh mint leaves. Mix well.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the bulgur salad on plates with lettuce leaves on the side. Optionally, you can also serve pickles, sliced tomatoes, and cucumbers alongside.

Notes:

• Bulgur Texture: If using medium bulgur or if the texture isn't soft enough after soaking, add a splash of boiling water and let it sit for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Pepper Paste: If you can’t find pepper paste, you can use extra tomato paste or omit it entirely.
• Pomegranate Molasses: If pomegranate molasses is unavailable, you can increase the lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
• Adjustments: Taste and adjust lemon juice to your preference for tanginess. If the salad seems dry, add a bit more olive oil and mix well.

This bulgur salad is hearty, refreshing, and perfect for serving as a side dish or a light main course. Enjoy!