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Traditional Kisir Recipe (Spicy Turkish Bulgur Salad)
5 from 4 votes

Traditional Kisir Recipe (Spicy Turkish Bulgur Salad)

Kisir is a flavorful and healthy Turkish whole-grain salad made with bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, veggies, and a tangy dressing.

Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6 portions
Calories: 287 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Turkish

Ingredients

  • 250 g bulgur finest grade
  • 250 ml water boiling
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 40 ml pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes pul biber
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 5 spring onions (sliced)
  • 1 small red onion (diced)
  • 1 cup flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
  • ⅓ cup mint leaf chopped, fresh
  • tomato to garnish, cucumber sliced, lettuce leaves
  • cucumber
  • lettuce

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the bulgur in a large bowl and pour boiling water on it.
  2. Give it a stir and cover it with a cling film or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed.
  3. Prepare your vegetables and herbs while resting the bulgur wheat.
  4. When the bulgur absorbed all the liquid and softened, fluff it with a fork and then add the tomato paste, pepper paste, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, chili, black pepper, and pomegranate molasses.
  5. Mix it well until it's completely incorporated and then add the chopped parsley, mint, spring onions, and red onion.
  6. Give them a good stir and transfer the kisir into a salad bowl or individual bowls.
  7. Garnish your salad with cucumber slices, tomatoes, and lettuce leaves.

Notes

  • Although it is very easy to make this delicious salad, it can get too dry or too soggy if you don't use the right amount of water for the bulgur. Make sure soaking the bulgur for at least 15 - 20, or until the grains are soft.
  • Don't use medium or coarse bulgur. Fine or very fine ground bulgur is best for salads including Kisir Salad.
  • Use lemon juice squeezed from fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice for a fresher and more delicious taste. 
  • Don't substitute the pomegranate molasses with any other molasses. Instead, use extra lemon juice.

Nutrition Information

Calories 287kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 41g (14%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g (12%) Monounsaturated Fat 9g (45%) Sodium 625mg (26%) Potassium 355mg (8%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 1199IU (24%) Vitamin C 24mg (27%) Calcium 51mg (5%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 portions

Amount Per Serving

Calories 287

% Daily Value*

Calories 287kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 41g 14%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 9g 45%
Sodium 625mg 26%
Potassium 355mg 8%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 1199IU 24%
Vitamin C 24mg 27%
Calcium 51mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.