Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Turkey! Kisir is not just a salad; it's a symphony of fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked bulgur that promises to revolutionize your understanding of healthy, delicious cuisine. This traditional Turkish dish is a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor, guaranteed to become your new favorite go-to recipe that will impress family and friends with its stunning simplicity and incredible taste.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Turkish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup fine bulgur
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the bulgur. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of fine bulgur with 1 1/2 cups of hot water. Stir the bulgur gently to ensure it is evenly soaked. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bulgur has absorbed the water and is tender.
- While the bulgur is soaking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of red pepper paste, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and set aside.
- Once the bulgur has absorbed the water, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Allow it to cool slightly if it is still warm.
- Next, prepare the vegetables. Dice 1 cucumber and 1 bell pepper into small pieces. Finely chop 1/2 red onion. Add all the chopped vegetables to the bulgur bowl.
- Chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of fresh mint. Add the chopped herbs to the bulgur and vegetable mixture.
- Pour the dressing over the bulgur and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
- Let the kisir sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be done at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer a chilled salad.
- Serve the Turkish bulgur salad kisir in a large bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing kisir!
Tips
- Use fine bulgur for the best texture and fastest absorption
- Ensure your water is hot when soaking the bulgur to activate proper hydration
- Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld
- For extra depth, toast your bulgur lightly before adding hot water
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact
- Adjust lemon and pepper paste to suit your personal taste preferences
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for optimal enjoyment
- Can be easily made vegan and gluten-free with simple ingredient swaps
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
