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What is Turkish Kisir?
Season 1
Episode 53
Published 17 hours ago
Description
Kısır is the vibrant, beloved cornerstone of Turkish meze culture, a salad so bursting with color and flavor it is often called a celebration in a bowl. At its base lies fine bulgur wheat, not soaked in water but in a dynamic blend of tomato and pepper pastes thinned with a splash of hot water. This crucial step infuses the grains with a deep, ruddy hue and a foundational savoriness.
The soaked bulgur is then transformed into a confetti of freshness with a generous mix of finely chopped vegetables: crisp scallions, peppery parsley, refreshing mint, and juicy tomatoes. The true magic, however, lies in its signature dressing—a bright, tangy amalgam of pomegranate molasses (nar ekşisi) and fresh lemon juice. This duo provides a captivating sweet-and-sour punch that defines the dish. It is enriched with olive oil and seasoned with cumin and pul biber (red pepper flakes), creating a symphony of herbal, tart, and subtly spicy notes.
Kısır is inherently a social food. It is the star of casual gatherings, potlucks, and picnics, often served heaped on a large platter, garnished with lemon wedges, crunchy lettuce leaves, and more parsley. The lettuce leaves are not mere garnish; they are used as fresh, edible cups to scoop up the salad, adding a cool, crisp texture to each bite.
More than just a side dish, kısır is a testament to Turkish culinary alchemy—the art of turning humble, pantry-ready ingredients into something extraordinarily lively and satisfying. It is a dish that tastes of sunshine, shared tables, and the irresistible, tangy soul of Anatolia. Every forkful is a burst of freshness, texture, and communal joy.
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Subscribe for free to the FK Newsletter
Produced by Chef Walters SimVal Media Group, USA
This episode includes AI-generated content.
The soaked bulgur is then transformed into a confetti of freshness with a generous mix of finely chopped vegetables: crisp scallions, peppery parsley, refreshing mint, and juicy tomatoes. The true magic, however, lies in its signature dressing—a bright, tangy amalgam of pomegranate molasses (nar ekşisi) and fresh lemon juice. This duo provides a captivating sweet-and-sour punch that defines the dish. It is enriched with olive oil and seasoned with cumin and pul biber (red pepper flakes), creating a symphony of herbal, tart, and subtly spicy notes.
Kısır is inherently a social food. It is the star of casual gatherings, potlucks, and picnics, often served heaped on a large platter, garnished with lemon wedges, crunchy lettuce leaves, and more parsley. The lettuce leaves are not mere garnish; they are used as fresh, edible cups to scoop up the salad, adding a cool, crisp texture to each bite.
More than just a side dish, kısır is a testament to Turkish culinary alchemy—the art of turning humble, pantry-ready ingredients into something extraordinarily lively and satisfying. It is a dish that tastes of sunshine, shared tables, and the irresistible, tangy soul of Anatolia. Every forkful is a burst of freshness, texture, and communal joy.
More Pdcasts
Subscribe for free to the FK Newsletter
Produced by Chef Walters SimVal Media Group, USA
This episode includes AI-generated content.