A traditional, vibrant Turkish salad made with fine bulgur, sautéed tomato paste, and a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables and tangy pomegranate molasses.
Servings 4people
Course Salad, Snack
Cuisine Turkish
Ingredients
1cupFine Bulgur
1cupBoiling Water
1smallOnion (finely diced)
2tbspTomato or Pepper Paste
3tbspVegetable Oil
1tspSumac (or Lemon Zest)
1tspRed Pepper Flakes
1tspSweet Paprika
5-6Lettuce leaves (finely chopped)
1mediumCarrot (grated)
3Green Onions (finely sliced)
1mediumCucumber (diced)
1mediumTomato (diced)
2tbspPomegranate Molasses (or Balsamic Glaze)
Salt (to taste)
Equipment
Large Mixing Bowl: With a lid to allow the bulgur to steam and soften.
Small Skillet: For sautéing the onion and paste mixture.
Sharp Knife: Essential for finely dicing the fresh herbs and vegetables.
Box Grater: For shredding the carrot.
Method
Place the fine bulgur in a large bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Stir and cover tightly.
While the bulgur rests, sauté the diced onion in oil in a skillet until translucent.
Add the paste and spices to the onions. Cook for 2 minutes to release the aromas.
Add the warm paste mixture to the softened bulgur and mix thoroughly until evenly colored.
Allow the bulgur mixture to cool completely before adding the chopped vegetables.
Fold in the lettuce, green onions, grated carrot, cucumber, and tomato.
Drizzle with pomegranate molasses and salt. Toss well and serve at room temperature.
For the most authentic flavor, use a mix of tomato and hot pepper paste. If you find the salad a bit dry, don't be afraid to add a little more olive oil or an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten up the flavors!