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Turkish-Style Bulgur Salad (Kısır)

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A zesty and colorful Turkish-style bulgur salad known as Kısır, made with fine bulgur, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy tomato-pomegranate dressing. Ideal as a light meal or a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups fine bulgur
  • 1 1/4 cups hot water
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp red pepper paste (or extra tomato paste)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 spring onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pickles, lettuce leaves, lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the bulgur in a large bowl and pour hot water over it. Cover and let sit for 10–15 minutes until the bulgur absorbs the water and softens. Fluff with a fork.
  2. In a small pan, heat olive oil and stir in tomato paste and red pepper paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the paste mixture to the softened bulgur and mix thoroughly.
  4. Stir in chopped red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, spring onions, fresh mint, parsley, cumin, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Chill slightly or serve at room temperature with optional pickles, lettuce leaves, and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Use red pepper paste for a more authentic flavor, but tomato paste alone works in a pinch.
  • Make ahead and let sit for a few hours for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a mezze spread.

Nutrition

Keywords: kısır, bulgur salad, Turkish salad, pomegranate molasses, vegan salad, Middle Eastern salad

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/turkish-style-bulgur-salad-kisir/