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Zesty Turkish Kısır (Bulgur Salad)

A traditional, vibrant Turkish salad made with fine bulgur, sautéed tomato paste, and a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables and tangy pomegranate molasses.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Salad, Snack
Cuisine: Turkish
Calories: 271
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Fine Bulgur
  • 1 cup Boiling Water
  • 1 small Onion (finely diced)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato or Pepper Paste
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 1 tsp Sumac (or Lemon Zest)
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 tsp Sweet Paprika
  • 5-6 Lettuce leaves (finely chopped)
  • 1 medium Carrot (grated)
  • 3 Green Onions (finely sliced)
  • 1 medium Cucumber (diced)
  • 1 medium Tomato (diced)
  • 2 tbsp Pomegranate Molasses (or Balsamic Glaze)
  • Salt (to taste)

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl: With a lid to allow the bulgur to steam and soften.
  • Small Skillet: For sautéing the onion and paste mixture.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for finely dicing the fresh herbs and vegetables.
  • Box Grater: For shredding the carrot.

Method
 

  1. Place the fine bulgur in a large bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Stir and cover tightly.
    Soaking fine bulgur in boiling water for a Turkish salad.
  2. While the bulgur rests, sauté the diced onion in oil in a skillet until translucent.
    Sautéing diced onions in a pan for Kısır sauce.
  3. Add the paste and spices to the onions. Cook for 2 minutes to release the aromas.
    Mixing tomato paste and Turkish spices into the onions.
  4. Add the warm paste mixture to the softened bulgur and mix thoroughly until evenly colored.
    Mixing the red pepper paste sauce into the softened bulgur.
  5. Allow the bulgur mixture to cool completely before adding the chopped vegetables.
    Letting the spiced bulgur cool down in a large bowl.
  6. Fold in the lettuce, green onions, grated carrot, cucumber, and tomato.
    Adding chopped fresh herbs and vegetables to the bulgur salad.
  7. Drizzle with pomegranate molasses and salt. Toss well and serve at room temperature.
    Drizzling pomegranate molasses over Turkish Kısır salad.

Video

Notes

For the most authentic flavor, use a mix of tomato and hot pepper paste. If you find the salad a bit dry, don't be afraid to add a little more olive oil or an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten up the flavors!