Turkish
⭐ Highly Rated
1h 30mmedium
TurkishSnack
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsKısır is a beloved Turkish mezze dish featuring fine bulgur wheat mixed with a flavorful paste of tomato and pepper, then tossed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a citrusy dressing. This colorful salad is commonly served as a snack or appetizer throughout Turkey, often enjoyed with crisp lettuce leaves for scooping. The combination of nutty bulgur, bright tomatoes, aromatic parsley and mint, and the sweet-tart notes of pomegranate molasses creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. Unlike its Middle Eastern cousin tabbouleh, kısır uses more bulgur and features distinctly Turkish seasonings. It is naturally vegan, packed with fiber and nutrients, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal dish for entertaining or meal prep. The dish is traditionally served at room temperature, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Instructions
step by step0/6 done
Place the fine bulgur in a large mixing bowl. Pour boiling water over the bulgur until just covered, about 1 cup. Cover the bowl with a plate or kitchen towel and let it sit for 15-20 minutes until the bulgur absorbs all the water and becomes tender. Fluff with a fork.
While the bulgur is soaking, prepare the paste. In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses until well combined. Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika. This paste will be the flavor base for your kısır.
Once the bulgur has absorbed the water and cooled slightly, add the tomato paste mixture to the bulgur. Using your hands or a large spoon, mix thoroughly until the bulgur is evenly coated with the red paste and takes on a uniform color.
Finely dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and onions. Chop the parsley and mint leaves. Add all the vegetables and herbs to the bulgur mixture.
Mix everything together thoroughly, kneading gently with your hands to combine all ingredients well. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice, salt, or olive oil as needed. The mixture should be moist but not wet, and well-seasoned.
Transfer the kısır to a serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, mint leaves, and lemon wedges. Serve at room temperature with crisp lettuce leaves on the side for scooping, or enjoy with pita bread.
Kısır
4.5 (38)
A vibrant Turkish bulgur salad mixed with tomato paste, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses. This tangy, refreshing snack is perfect for any gathering or afternoon treat.
easy
20 min
6 servings
Ingredients
0 of 15 checked
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups bulgur, fine bulgur #1
- 3 tablespoons tomato-paste
- 4 tablespoons olive-oil
- 2 pieces lemon, juiced
- 1 pieces pomegranate, molasses form - 2 tablespoons
Vegetables
- 3 pieces tomatoes, finely diced
- 1 pieces cucumber, finely diced
- 1 pieces onions, finely diced
Herbs
- 1 cups parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cups cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
Spices
- 1 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
For Serving
- 1 cups lettuce, leaves for serving (optional)
Chef Tips
expert advice•Chef Notes: The key to perfect kısır is using fine bulgur (#1), not coarse bulgur.
•Make sure not to over-soak the bulgur; it should be tender but still have some texture.
•For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the tomato paste mixture.
•If pomegranate molasses is unavailable, substitute with a mixture of lemon juice and a small amount of honey.
•Kısır tastes even better after resting for an hour, allowing the flavors to develop and meld.
•For variation, you can add finely chopped bell peppers, spring onions, or a handful of crushed walnuts for extra crunch.
•This dish is naturally vegan and can be made gluten-free by substituting quinoa for bulgur, though cooking time will need adjustment.
•The texture should be slightly moist; if it seems dry, add a bit more olive oil and lemon juice.
