BULGUR PILAF WITH RED PEPPERS AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Place the bulgur in a fine sieve and shake to remove any dust. Place in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let stand 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place the bell and chili peppers in a food processor with the water, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and the sugar. Process until pureed. Transfer to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until reduced to a jam-like consistency, about 20 minutes. Set aside.
• Cut the tomatoes in half and squeeze gently to remove the seeds. Using the large holes of a hand grater, grate the tomato halves with the cut side facing the grater. (You should be left with just the tomato skin in your hand; discard.)
• Drain the bulgur and return it to the bowl. Add the red-pepper paste, the tomato pulp, the remaining teaspoon salt, the scallions, cucumber, parsley, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, olive oil and paprika. Stir to mix well.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours. Taste and season with more salt if needed. Spoon onto a platter, surround with the lettuce or vine leaves and serve.