Kisir is a filling and luscious Turkish country salad. Chili flakes or a chili pepper give it a thrilling zing.

　　

Ingredients

serves 8

　　1 1/2 cups bulgur (cracked wheat)

　　2 tablespoons tomato paste

　　5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

　　Juice of 1 lemon

　　Salt

　　1/3 teaspoon chili flakes or pinch of ground chili pepper, to taste

　　1 fresh red or green chili pepper, very finely chopped

　　1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

　　1/3 cup chopped mint leaves

　　6 scallions, finely chopped

　　2 large tomatoes, finely diced

　　

Step 1

Put the bulgur in a bowl, pour plenty of boiling water on it, and leave for 20–60 minutes, until the grain is tender. Drain and squeeze the excess water out in a colander.

　　

Step 2

Add the tomato paste, oil and lemon juice, salt and chili flakes or chili pepper and mix thoroughly. You can do this in advance.

　　

Step 3

Just before serving, mix in the rest of the ingredients.

　　

Variation

Step 4

Adding 2 tablespoons of sour-pomegranate concentrate or molasses gives the grain a brown tinge and sweet-and-sour tartness.

　　The New Book of Middle Eastern Food Copyright © 2000Knopf