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Kisir – Fluffy Turkish Bulgur Salad with Herbs & Pomegranate

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 87 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Turkish
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Kisir is a vibrant and refreshing Turkish bulgur salad, bursting with zesty lemon, pomegranate molasses, fresh herbs, and a gentle kick of chili. This no-cook salad features fine bulgur soaked in hot water, then combined with tomato and red pepper pastes, fresh parsley, mint, and a blend of spices. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, Kisir offers a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors in every fluffy, colorful bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup fine bulgur
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Soak Bulgur: Place the fine bulgur in a wide bowl and pour hot water over it. Cover the bowl and let the bulgur soak for about 10 minutes until it absorbs the water and softens.
  2. Fluff Bulgur: Gently fluff the soaked bulgur with a fork to separate the grains carefully without crushing them, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
  3. Add Pastes: Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper paste. Knead lightly to evenly distribute the color and flavors throughout the bulgur.
  4. Prepare Onion: Massage the finely diced onion with lemon juice and salt. This softens the onion’s sharpness and mellows its flavor before adding it to the salad.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Fold the onion mixture into the bulgur. Gradually add the finely chopped parsley and mint, mixing gently to combine.
  6. Dress Salad: Drizzle the olive oil and pomegranate molasses over the salad. Season with chili flakes and ground cumin, then mix delicately to ensure all flavors meld without crushing the grains.
  7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust acidity, sweetness, or salt as needed to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
  8. Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • The bulgur should remain fluffy and not sticky to maintain the light texture of the salad.
  • The balance between tart lemon juice and sweet pomegranate molasses defines the salad’s signature flavor.
  • If pomegranate molasses is unavailable, a combination of pomegranate juice and a small amount of sugar can be used as a substitute.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • This salad can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or light lunch.

Find it online: https://recipes.mbeams.com/kisir-fluffy-turkish-bulgur-salad-with-herbs-and-pomegranate/