Kisir (Bulgur salad)

This recipe offers a delightful salad experience.

Though I call it a salad, it can easily serve as a main course, boasting filling, healthy, and delectable qualities.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of bulgur (I recommend using the finest bulgur available)

• 3 tomatoes

• 5-6 small cucumbers or 3/4 large cucumber

• 5-6 peppers

• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

• 1 bunch of parsley

• 5 whole fresh green onion also you can you a bunch of chives

• A few sprigs of mint

• 1 lemon

• Pomegranate molasses if available, or 1 additional lemon if not

• 6-7 pickled gherkins

• Salt

• Optional chili pepper

• Olive oil
  

Preparation:

• About half an hour before starting the recipe, place the bulgur in a bowl and cover it completely with hot water. Cover the bowl with a plate or tray to utilize water vapor and soften the bulgur.

• Meanwhile, complete the chopping process for the other ingredients:

• Dice the tomatoes into small cubes.

• Dice the cucumbers and pickled gherkins into small cubes.

• Finely chop the spring onion, mint leaves, and parsley.

• Finely chop the peppers.

• Once the bulgur is soft and edible, add the tomato paste to it and mix well. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon and add pomegranate extract to taste. Ensure the tomato paste fully integrates with the bulgur before adding other ingredients.

• Combine all the chopped ingredients with the bulgur mixture. Add salt to taste and mix well.
  

• Drizzle the desired amount of olive oil over the salad. Using a bit more oil will enhance the flavor of your bulgur salad.

• Taste the salad and add more lemon juice if desired for extra acidity. For those who enjoy spiciness, consider adding chili pepper.

• Bon appétit!