Ingredients

• 150 g coarse bulgur wheat
• 4 piece large tomatoes
• 1 piece medium onion
• 3 clove garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1.2 kg vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp fresh dill
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare vegetables

   Finely dice the onion into 5mm pieces and mince the garlic cloves. Grate the tomatoes on the large holes of a box grater, discarding the skins. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering. Do not let the oil smoke or overheat.

2. Sauté aromatics

   Add diced onion to the heated oil and cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn or turn brown.

3. Build tomato base

   Stir in tomato paste and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until darkened and aromatic. Add grated tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for 8-10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and reduce by half. Do not let the mixture stick to the bottom.

4. Add bulgur and broth

   Add bulgur wheat to the pot and stir for 2 minutes over medium heat until lightly toasted and fragrant. Pour in vegetable broth, add salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat for 3-4 minutes until bubbling vigorously. Do not skip the toasting step as it enhances the nutty flavor.

5. Simmer soup

   Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until bulgur is tender and has absorbed most liquid. The soup should be thick but still pourable. Do not let it boil rapidly or the bulgur will become mushy.

6. Finish and serve

   Remove from heat and stir in fresh dill, parsley, and lemon juice. Let stand for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and herbs to wilt slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Do not add herbs while still boiling or they will lose their bright flavor.

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