Turkish Kisir Bulgur Salad

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Fine bulgur (koftelik bulgur)
• 1.25 cups Boiling water
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Pepper paste (biber salçası)
• 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Pomegranate molasses
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 4 stalks Spring onions, finely sliced
• 1 bunch Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup Fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 small Cucumber, finely diced(optional)
• 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (Pul Biber)

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the fine bulgur in a large heat-proof bowl and pour the boiling water over it.

2. 2

   Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit for 15 minutes until the water is fully absorbed and bulgur is soft.

3. 3

   Fluff the bulgur with a fork to separate the grains.

4. 4

   Add the tomato paste, pepper paste, and olive oil to the bulgur, kneading it thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until the grains are evenly coated and red.

5. 5

   Stir in the pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes.

6. 6

   Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature before adding the fresh vegetables.

7. 7

   Fold in the chopped spring onions, parsley, mint, and diced cucumber.

8. 8

   Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra lemon or pomegranate molasses if desired, then serve at room temperature or chilled.