This is a very traditional recipe one comes across often in Turkey.  Family gatherings and entertainment at home will not be complete without Kısır.  Very easy indeed!

Instructions:

1. 1.Soak bulgur covered, in one cup of of boiled water.
   

2. 2.Prepare all other ingredients in a bowl and mix them well.
   

3. 3.Add the bulgur kneading with your hands for at least 10 minutes, as this will change its consistency. Let it rest for an hour.
   

4. 4.Serve the bulgur salad on washed lettuce leaves (as seen on the picture on the right) or on individual scoops of endives (on top), with lemon wedges.
   

5. 5.Just before serving or eating, add more lemon juice to your liking. Lemon flavor is very important for this dish.
   

Gulenden

Variations:

You can use a specialty ingredient from Turkey, sour pomegranate sauce (1/2 tbsp) with 1/4 cup of lemon juice in place of 1/3 cup of the lemon juice to add a local twist to this recipe. Mix the sour pomegranate sauce with lemon juice and olive oil separately first and then add to the salad prior to serving. 

Many Turkish chefs such as Özcan Ozan and Fehmi Samanci also add fresh mint to this recipe for additional fresh flavor.

You may also mix or choose between tomato and red pepper paste listed among the ingredients.  These pastes are essential ingredients of the Turkish cuisine and come in handy in many recipes, so make sure to have some handy in your pantry.

Meltem