Traditional Turkish Bulgur Salad (Kısır)

Name: Traditional Turkish Bulgur Salad (Kısır)
Yield: 6 - 8 portions
Ingredients: 2 cups fine bulgur wheat (köftelik bulgur); 1.5 cups boiling water (or vegetable stock); 2 tablespoons tomato paste (domates salçası); 1 tablespoon pepper paste (biber salçası); 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 1 bunch fresh spring onions (scallions), finely chopped; 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 bunch fresh mint, finely chopped; 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses (nar ekşisi); Juice of 1 large lemon; Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (pul biber) to taste

Turco Table

4 days ago

2 min read

Traditional Turkish Bulgur Salad (Kısır)

Fine bulgur - Tomato paste - Fresh herbs - Spring onions - Pomegranate molasses - Olive oil

Ingredients

• 2 cups fine bulgur wheat (köftelik bulgur)

• 1.5 cups boiling water (or vegetable stock)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (domates salçası)

• 1 tablespoon pepper paste (biber salçası)

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 bunch fresh spring onions (scallions), finely chopped

• 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1/2 bunch fresh mint, finely chopped

• 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses (nar ekşisi)

• Juice of 1 large lemon

• Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (pul biber) to taste

Recipe Details & Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus resting time)

• Servings: 6 - 8 portions

• Cost Level: Budget-Friendly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Place the fine bulgur wheat into a large, wide mixing bowl. Pour the boiling water over it, cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plate, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes until the bulgur absorbs all the water and softens.

Step 2: In a small skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft.

Step 3: Stir the tomato paste and pepper paste into the onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the raw paste aroma disappears, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Fluff the soaked bulgur with a fork. Pour the warm onion and paste mixture over the bulgur, adding salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Knead and mix thoroughly with your hands or a wooden spoon until the bulgur achieves an even, reddish color.

Step 5: Add the freshly chopped spring onions, parsley, and mint to the bowl.

Step 6: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and pomegranate molasses. Toss everything gently together to combine all the fresh herbs and vibrant flavors without crushing the greens.

Step 7: Taste and adjust the seasoning or lemon juice if needed. Serve at room temperature, traditionally arranged over fresh lettuce leaves.

Chef's Closing Tip

For the best flavor, let the kısır rest for about 30 minutes before serving so the bulgur fully absorbs the tangy lemon and pomegranate dressing. Enjoy your meal!

The Tradition of Kısır in Turkish Culture

Kısır is far more than just a refreshing bulgur salad; it is the absolute staple of traditional afternoon gatherings in Turkey. Famously known as "gün toplantısı" (women's daytime social gatherings), neighbors and friends regularly come together in homes to chat, catch up on life, and share generous bowls of kısır accompanied by cold glasses of frothy buttermilk (ayran) or steaming black tea.