Kisir: Turkish Bulgur Salad

This recipe was originally published in the 2023 Local Food Guide.

Turkish Bulgur Salad (Kisir) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fine bulgur
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 bunch dill, finely chopped
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced 
• 1 bunch green onions, finely sliced 
• 1 bunch Italian parsley, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste 
• 2 Tbsp Turkish pepper paste (harissa can be substituted if not available) 
• Olive oil
• 2-3 pickles, sliced (optional)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil 
• 2 Tbsp pomegranate molasses 
• Juice from 1 lemon (or more, if desired) 
• 2 tsp ground cumin 
• 2 tsp paprika 
• 2 tsp red pepper flakes 
• 2 tsp black pepper 
• 3 tsp sumac

Directions:

1. Place bulgur in a bowl. Boil water, then pour over bulgur. Let rest until bulgur is soft. If you cannot find fine bulgur, cook according to package directions. 
2. Heat frying pan over medium heat, then add a small amount of olive oil. Saute onions until they begin to brown. Add tomato and pepper pastes and continue sauteing for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently. 
3. Combine cooked bulgur, onion mixture, herbs, and green onion in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. 
4. Make the sauce by combining all ingredients in a jar and shaking until combined. 
5. Drizzle sauce over salad and mix to combine. 
6. Serve with herbs or pomegranate to garnish.

This recipe was provided by Burcay and Aybars Gunguler of Social Sloth Cafe in Okemos.