BULGUR AND BLACK-EYED PEA SALAD WITH TOMATOES, ONIONS, AND POMEGRANATE DRESSING

Bulgur and Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Tomatoes, Onions, and Pomegranate Dressing image

Provided by Engin Akin

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

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Dressing
1/4 cup pomegranate molasses*
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves
Salad
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
2 cups small grain bulgur (about 10 ounces)**
2 cups warm water
3 red jalapeño chiles, thinly sliced into rounds
1 cup canned black-eyed peas, rinsed, drained (from 15 1/2-ounce can)
1 cup chopped fresh basil (preferably purple basil)
3 large green onions, chopped
2 cups chopped seeded diced plum tomatoes (about 3/4 pound)
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted, chopped
*A thick pomegranate syrup; available at some supermarkets and Middle Eastern markets, and from Adriana's Caravan (adrianascaravan.com).
**Also called cracked wheat; available at supermarkets and natural foods stores.

Steps:

For dressing:
Combine pomegranate molasses and oil in small bowl. Using garlic press, press garlic into mixture and whisk to blend. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
For salad:
Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 6 minutes. Add bulgur; stir 1 minute. Add 2 cups warm water, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix in jalapeño chiles, then black-eyed peas, basil, and green onions. Cover skillet and let stand 5 minutes. Transfer bulgur mixture to large bowl. Mix in dressing. Season salad to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
Just before serving, mix tomatoes into salad and sprinkle with nuts.