Kısır is a delicious and light salad that can also be served as a meze (Turkish appetizer). You start out with fine bulgur wheat and add in chopped tomatoes, parsley, mint, green onions, peppers, pepper paste, lemon juice and/or pomegranate molasses, olive oil and salt. You can find the pomegranate molasses online at Bakkal International or at most Middle Eastern Grocery Stores. This dish is perfect for a picnic because it can be served chilled or at room temperature. If you have any left, the flavors get even better the second day. Kisir would be a great dish for anyone who is a vegetarian. The only cooking involved is boiling the water so it is a quick dish that you could assemble in the morning and pop it in the fridge to be enjoyed at a party later in the day. It would also be great to take to work for lunch. When I make this dish, I always remember the days I spent in Ankara with my then mother-in-law. She had a group of friends that would get together to play a card game called Konken. Of course there would be cay, and an array of borek’s, dolmas, and salads. Kisir was always served. It was always fun for me because I was “Sevim hanim’s Amerikali Gelin” which translates to Mrs. Sevim’s American Bride and they always treated me so special. I will never forget those very fond memories. I hope you enjoy this dish. Afiyet olsun!
- 1½ Cups Fine Grain Bulgur
- 1½ Cups Boiling Water
- 1½ Teaspoons Salt
- 1½ Tablespoon Pepper Paste
- 1 Tablespoon Pomegranate Molasses
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- 2-3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 Chopped Tomatoes
- 2 to 3 Small Peppers Chopped, these could be sweet or spicy peppers your choice
- 1 Bunch Green Onions, Chopped
- ½ Bunch Parsley, Chopped
- ¼ Cup Fresh Mint or 1 Tablespoon Dried Mint
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, optional
- Additional Lemon wedges if desired
- Romaine Lettuce to Serve
- Place the bulgur in a large bowl.
- Bring the water to a boil and pour over the bulgur.
- Stir well and let sit till water is absorbed about 10-15 minutes.
- In the meantime, chop your tomatoes (do not discard any juices), peppers, onions, parsley and mint (if you are using fresh mint) and place in a mixing bowl.
- Add in the Pepper Paste, Pomegranate Molasses, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and dried mint.
- Stir until well combined.
- Add the bulgur to the salad mixture and combine well.
- Taste and add additional salt if needed.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Arrange romaine lettuce leaves around the edge of a serving dish and pour the bulgur salad into the center. Lemon wedges can be placed around the dish if desired. Afiyet olsun!
