Looking for a light, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s quick to make and perfect for meal prep? Say hello to Kısır — a classic Turkish bulgur salad bursting with herbs, olive oil, lemon, and pomegranate.
Whether you’re planning a Mediterranean-themed dinner, prepping for a picnic, or just want a satisfying meatless lunch, Kısır checks all the boxes:
✨ Vegan, easy, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious.
🥗 What Is Kısır?
Kısır (pronounced kuh-SUHR) is a beloved staple in Turkish cuisine. Think of it as Turkey’s answer to tabbouleh — but with a twist. Made from fine bulgur wheat, it’s seasoned with tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice, and often pomegranate molasses for a tangy depth of flavor.
It’s usually served chilled or at room temperature and is often part of a mezze spread, wrapped in lettuce leaves or eaten straight from the bowl with a fork.
🍅 Ingredients You’ll Need
This is a pantry-friendly recipe. Here’s everything you’ll need to make authentic Kısır:
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1 cup fine bulgur (also called köftelik bulgur)
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1 cup hot water
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp pepper paste (optional, for depth)
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4 tbsp olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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2 tbsp pomegranate molasses (nar ekşisi – optional but authentic)
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp sweet paprika
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½ tsp cumin (optional)
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4–5 spring onions, finely chopped
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1 medium tomato, diced
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1 cucumber, diced (optional)
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A handful of parsley, finely chopped
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Fresh mint or dried mint, to taste
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Lettuce leaves, for serving (optional but traditional)
🔪 How to Make Turkish Kısır – Step by Step
1. Soften the Bulgur
Place the bulgur in a large bowl. Pour hot water over it, stir, and cover. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes until the bulgur absorbs all the water and becomes fluffy.
2. Mix the Flavors
Add tomato paste, pepper paste, olive oil, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses. Stir well until the bulgur is coated and turns a reddish hue.
3. Season It Up
Add salt, paprika, and cumin. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Add Freshness
Fold in chopped green onions, parsley, mint, tomato, and cucumber. Give everything a good mix so the flavors come together.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Kısır with crisp lettuce leaves or as part of a mezze platter. It’s delicious warm, but even better chilled. Perfect with Turkish tea or a glass of ayran!
💡 Tips for the Perfect Kısır
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✅ Use fine bulgur (do not boil it) – coarse bulgur won’t work in this recipe.
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✅ Adjust the lemon and pomegranate molasses to your taste — some like it more sour, some sweeter.
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✅ Prep ahead: It gets even more flavorful after a few hours in the fridge.
🧺 Why You’ll Love This Bulgur Salad
✔️ It’s healthy and filling
✔️ Packed with fiber and plant-based nutrients
✔️ Naturally vegan and dairy-free
✔️ Great for lunchboxes, picnics, or potlucks
✔️ Ready in under 30 minutes
🌍 A Taste of Turkey, Right in Your Kitchen
Kısır is more than just a salad — it’s comfort food, picnic food, party food. It brings people together, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
So grab your bowl, pour the olive oil, and mix with love.
Because the secret ingredient in every Turkish dish? It’s heart.
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Loved this recipe? Pin it to your Healthy Recipes or Turkish Cuisine board and tag a friend who loves Mediterranean food!
And don’t forget to try it with other mezze like hummus, baba ganoush, or stuffed grape leaves!
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