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Turkish Kisir with Pomegranate Seeds and Pistachios_001

Turkish Kisir with Pomegranate Seeds and Pistachios

A vibrant and refreshing Turkish delight, this Kisir recipe is a tantalizing blend of bulgur, fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, and pistachios. It's a perfect side dish that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Mezze
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 6 people
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large heatproof bowl
  • Small whisk
  • Fork
  • Mixing spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup bulgur 200g / 7 oz
  • 1 1/4 cups boiling water 300 ml
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 88g / 3.1 oz
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios 60g / 2.1 oz, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil 60 ml
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste 15g / 0.5 oz
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses 15 ml
  • 1 teaspoon paprika 2g
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1g
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt 2g
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 0.5g
  • 3 green onions 45g / 1.6 oz, finely sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint 15g / 0.5 oz, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley 15g / 0.5 oz, chopped
  • 1 cucumber 200g / 7 oz, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper 150g / 5.3 oz, diced

Instructions
 

  • Place bulgur in a large heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over the bulgur, cover, and let it stand for 10 minutes until the water is absorbed and the bulgur is tender.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, tomato paste, pomegranate molasses, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  • Fluff the bulgur with a fork and pour the dressing over it. Mix thoroughly to ensure the bulgur is well coated.
  • Add the green onions, mint, parsley, cucumber, and red bell pepper to the bulgur. Toss to combine.
  • Gently fold in the pomegranate seeds and pistachios, reserving a few for garnish.
  • Let the Kisir sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Garnish with the reserved pomegranate seeds and pistachios before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Kisir can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for busy weeks or potluck gatherings.
If pomegranate molasses is unavailable, you can substitute it with a mix of 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
Keyword Bulgur Salad, Healthy Side Dish, Mediterranean cuisine, Pistachios, Pomegranate Seeds, Turkish Kisir