Kısır (Turkish Bulgur Salad with Pomegranate Molasses)
In short: Fine bulgur kneaded with tomato and pepper paste, lemon, pomegranate molasses and lots of parsley and spring onion, scooped up in lettuce leaves. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 35 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 265 kcal
Kısır is the salad of Turkish tea gatherings and picnics, and almost every family has its own version. Fine bulgur is soaked in hot water with tomato and pepper paste, then kneaded with olive oil, lemon and pomegranate molasses until soft and tangy. Chopped herbs and spring onions go in last. It is served on a platter with lettuce leaves for scooping and tastes better after a short rest.
Instructions
- Put the bulgur in a large bowl with the tomato paste, pepper paste and salt. Pour in the boiling water, stir, cover and leave for 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
- Fluff the bulgur with a fork. Add the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, pepper flakes and cumin and knead gently by hand for 2 minutes, until the bulgur is evenly red and soft.
- Stir in the spring onions, parsley, mint, tomatoes and green pepper. Taste and adjust with more salt, lemon or molasses.
- Cover and rest for 20 minutes so the flavors come together.
- Pile onto a platter and serve at room temperature with lettuce leaves for scooping.
Tips
- Use fine bulgur. If you only have coarse, soak it in the hot water for 30 minutes and drain off any excess before mixing.
- If you make kısır ahead, add the tomatoes and herbs just before serving so the salad stays fresh and bright.
Questions and answers
Is kısır the same as tabbouleh?
No. Kısır is mostly bulgur with tomato and pepper paste, so it is red, rich and tangy, while tabbouleh is mostly parsley with a little bulgur and tastes fresher.
How long does kısır keep?
Up to 2 days covered in the fridge. Stir in a splash of lemon juice and oil before serving, since the bulgur keeps absorbing flavor.
Is kısır a main dish or a side?
Both. In Türkiye it is a staple of tea gatherings and picnics, scooped up in lettuce leaves, and it also works as a light lunch with yogurt.
How long does it take to make Kısır (Turkish Bulgur Salad with Pomegranate Molasses)?
About 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kısır (Turkish Bulgur Salad with Pomegranate Molasses)?
About 265 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 39 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 265 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
