Tomato Bulgur (Bulgur with Tomatoes)

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 kg tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste — optional
• 2 cups coarse white bulgur, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Seven-spice blend

Method

1. Finely chop the onion and sauté it in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes. You can also add the tomato paste at this stage if desired — it's usually necessary if the tomatoes aren't red enough.
3. Let the mixture simmer briefly.
4. Drain the bulgur after soaking it for 15 minutes in warm water. Add it on top of the tomatoes, pour in the water, add the salt and spice blend, and stir.
   Timers: 15 min
5. Cover the pot once the water comes to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cook until the bulgur is tender.
6. To make the Mdardara from Amir, see the link Mdardara