Bulgur Salad With Greens, Barberries and Yogurt

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the bulgur and salt to taste, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat, uncover and place a clean dishtowel over the pan, then replace the lid. Allow to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. Uncover and place on a baking sheet or in a wide bowl to cool.

2. Step 2

   Meanwhile, strip the chard leaves from the stems (retain the stems if they’re wide and meaty) and wash well in 2 changes of water. Steam above 1 inch of boiling water for about 2 minutes, until wilted; alternatively, blanch for about 1 minute in salted boiling water. Transfer to a bowl of cold water, then drain and squeeze out excess water, taking the chard up by the handful. Chop fine.

3. Step 3

   Dice the chard stems. Measure out 1 cup. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat in a medium skillet and add the chard stems. Cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes, just until crisp-tender. Add 1 minced garlic clove, stir for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, and remove from the heat.

4. Step 4

   Combine the bulgur, chopped chard, chard stems, chopped tarragon and mint, za’atar, allspice and barberries in a large bowl. Whisk together the lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, and olive oil. Toss with the bulgur mixture. Transfer to a platter or a wide salad bowl.

5. Step 5

   Pound the remaining garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt in a mortar and pestle. Stir into the yogurt. Spoon on top of the salad and serve.