Turkish Bulgur Salad Kisir Recipe

With a burst of tangy flavor and a fresh crunch, my kisir recipe is like a vibrant garden party happening right on your taste buds. Let’s dive into this delightful mix where bulgur meets the zesty goodness of pomegranate molasses, and your senses are in for a treat!

Kisir is a lively Turkish bulgur salad that I adore for its healthful components and strong flavors. Filled with fine bulgur wheat, zesty lemon juice, and crisp herbs like parsley and mint, it’s nutrient-dense and totally filling.

Then, there’s pomegranate molasses. A more sophisticated ingredient in my salad arsenal, it brings a sweet and sour component to the dish, with a depth that’s a step up from plain old vinaigrette.

That flavor also contrasts beautifully with the bulgur’s mild nuttiness.

Turkish Bulgur Salad Kisir Recipe Ingredients

• Bulgur Wheat: A whole grain with high fiber, offering a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
• Lemon Juice: Rich in vitamin C, adds a refreshing tangy taste to dishes.
• Pomegranate Molasses: Provides a sweet-tart flavor, rich in antioxidants, and boosts heart health.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A healthy fat, enhances flavor, and supports heart health.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor, high in antioxidants like lycopene.

Turkish Bulgur Salad Kisir Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (optional)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4-5 spring onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, finely diced
• 1 cucumber, finely diced
• Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)

How to Make this Turkish Bulgur Salad Kisir Recipe

1. In a large mixing bowl, place 1 cup of fine bulgur wheat and pour over it 1 cup of hot water. Cover the bowl and allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes, during which time the bulgur will become tender and the water will be fully absorbed.

2. Using a fork, fluff the bulgur. Then add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of red pepper paste, mixing well to combine.

3. Extra virgin olive oil is the first ingredient of this dish. When the oil mixes with the bulgur wheat, it will reach its maximum flavor potential. So, start with that. And you want the flavor of Great Olive Oil to drizzle, to show off itself, to somewhat saturate the bulgur, and thus to do what olive oil is truly made to do.

4. Combine well 2 tablespoons of pomegranate molasses, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

5. Gently mix in the finely chopped spring onions, parsley, and mint, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the salad.

6. Incorporate the finely diced tomato and cucumber; mix them in gently without mashing the vegetables.

7. Sample the salad and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, with salt, pepper, lemon juice, or pomegranate molasses, to taste.

8. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature and in so doing, allow the flavors to meld together.

9. If preferred, line a serving platter with crisp lettuce.

10. Present the kisir on a platter bedecked with crisp lettuce, or in tender bowls all its own. Relish it with abandon as the main attraction, or flit between it and other lovely Mediterranean dishes.

Turkish Bulgur Salad Kisir Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Fork
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Mixing spoon or spatula
8. Citrus juicer (for juicing the lemon)
9. Serving platter or bowls

FAQ

• What is kisir?Kisir is a customary Turkish salad consisting mostly of bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, and vegetables. It resembles tabbouleh and is acknowledged for its invigorating and zesty flavors.
• Can I use coarse bulgur instead of fine bulgur?For Kisir, using fine bulgur is best because it quickly softens without the need for boiling. Coarse bulgur, on the other hand, requires cooking and offers a different texture.
• Is red pepper paste necessary?The use of red pepper paste is not essential, but it contributes significantly to the flavor profile of the dish and introduces a bit of spice. For those who might prefer a more subdued tone of heat, it can easily be scaled down, or left out altogether.
• Can I make Kisir ahead of time?Kisir can, of course, be prepared a few hours in advance; this grain, however, should really be served as close to the time of its preparation as possible. Allowing it to sit for even a half hour after mixing can produce some mighty fine flavor. This dish will always be refreshing, but serving it more or less immediately after making it will provide the best-textured and most flavorful result.
• What can I substitute for pomegranate molasses?Should pomegranate molasses be absent, a suitable substitute can be made with a mix of balsamic vinegar and a bit of sugar, or just by using lemon juice. This will provide the necessary acidity.
• How long will Kisir keep in the refrigerator?Kisir will last in the refrigerator for 2-3 days if you store it in an airtight container. Give it a stir before serving, and if you think it needs it, freshen it up with some extra herbs.
• Is Kisir served warm or cold?Kisir, traditionally served at room temperature or colder, is almost exclusively consumed as a refreshing salad, side that may accompany a variety of dishes, or a light meal that you could eat any time of day. This is particularly true on warm days.

Turkish Bulgur Salad Kisir Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato paste can take the place of tomato paste.
1 tablespoon harissa as a substitute for red pepper paste.
Instead of using pomegranate molasses, you can mix 3 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of honey. This creates a mixture that serves well as a substitute.

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika in place of red pepper flakes.
1/2 cup parsley as a substitute for cilantro.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the flavor of the bulgur, toast it lightly in a dry pan over medium heat before adding the hot water. This will give the bulgur a nutty aroma and deepen its flavor profile.

2. If you enjoy a spicier dish, consider adding a bit more red pepper paste or tossing in some finely chopped fresh chili peppers along with the red pepper flakes.

3. For added texture and crunch, include some chopped nuts such as walnuts or pine nuts. Toast them lightly before adding to the salad for extra flavor.

4. Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight after preparation. This resting time helps the flavors meld together more deeply and can make the kisir even more delicious.

5. When serving, add a drizzle of extra olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs just before presenting. This freshens the appearance and revitalizes the aroma of the dish.