Kisir Turkish Bulgur Wheat Salad
Discover the vibrant flavors of Kisir, a traditional Turkish bulgur wheat salad that's as healthy as it is delicious. This wholesome dish combines tender fine bulgur wheat with a zesty blend of fresh herbs like parsley and mint, crisp vegetables, and the bold tang of pomegranate molasses and lemon juice. A touch of tomato paste and optional red pepper paste adds depth, while a hint of chili flakes can be included for a spicy kick. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or picnic fare, Kisir is served chilled or at room temperature, often presented on crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, elegant touch. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors and ready in just 25 minutes, this vegan-friendly salad is a must-try for both its simplicity and taste.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
- 1 cup water (boiling)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 cup mint leaves (finely chopped)
- 4 stalks green onions (finely sliced)
- 2 medium tomatoes (diced)
- 1 medium cucumber (diced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon hot red chili flakes (optional)
- 4 leaves lettuce leaves (for serving, optional)
Instructions
Place the fine bulgur wheat in a large mixing bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Cover the bowl with a lid or plate and let the bulgur sit for 10 minutes until it absorbs the water and becomes tender.
Fluff the bulgur with a fork to separate the grains. Let it cool slightly.
In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and red pepper paste (if using), stirring for 2 minutes until aromatic and combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
Add the cooked tomato paste mixture to the bulgur and mix well with a fork or your hands until the bulgur is evenly coated.
Stir in the pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Mix thoroughly to combine.
Fold in the parsley, mint, green onions, diced tomatoes, and cucumber. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning or amount of pomegranate molasses and lemon juice to your preference.
Serve Kisir chilled or at room temperature. Scoop portions onto lettuce leaves if desired for presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1632 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.8 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2826 mg | 123% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 275.4 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 73.5 g | 262% | |
| Total Sugars | 73.2 g | ||
| Protein | 49.3 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1546 mg | 119% | |
| Iron | 36.9 mg | 205% | |
| Potassium | 5800 mg | 123% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
