Authentic Turkish Kısır: A Delicious Bulgur Wheat Salad

If you’re looking for a healthy, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish, Turkish Kısır is the perfect option. This bulgur wheat salad is a popular Turkish side dish loaded with fresh herbs and vegetables, dressed in pomegranate molasses and olive oil. It’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors and can be served as a light meal, appetizer, or accompaniment to main dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fine bulgur wheat
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons red pepper paste (optional)
• 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Sumac, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by placing the fine bulgur in a large mixing bowl. Pour the boiling water over the bulgur, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and the bulgur is soft.
2. Once the bulgur has absorbed the water, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Allow it to cool down to room temperature.
3. In the meantime, prepare the vegetables by dicing the cucumber, chopping the scallions, parsley, and mint, and dicing the green bell pepper.
4. To the cooled bulgur, add the diced cucumber, scallions, parsley, mint, and green bell pepper.
5. In a small bowl, blend together the tomato paste, red pepper paste (if using), pomegranate molasses, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, and paprika to create a vibrant dressing.
6. Pour this dressing over the bulgur and vegetable mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
7. Let the Kısır sit for at least half an hour before serving, so the flavors can meld together. If possible, let it rest in the refrigerator to chill and further develop the flavors.
8. Just before serving, give the Kısır a final stir, check for seasoning adjustments, and sprinkle some sumac on top for an additional tangy flavor, if desired.
9. Serve your Kısır as a main dish for a light lunch or as a refreshing side to grilled meats and other entrees.

Enjoy your authentic Turkish Kısır, packed full of fresh ingredients and robust flavors, a true celebration of traditional Mediterranean cuisine in the comfort of your own home.