Kisir

Kisir Recipe - A Delicious Turkish Dish with Cracked Wheat and Pomegranate Juice

Region / culture: Turkey | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Kisir is a traditional Turkish dish made with cracked wheat, vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. It is a popular side dish or appetizer that is perfect for gatherings and parties.

History

Kisir has been a staple in Turkish cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the southeastern region of Turkey, where cracked wheat is a common ingredient in many dishes. The dish has since spread throughout the country and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

3 cups of cracked wheat
1 large tomato
1 large cucumber
1 bunch of green onion
0.5 cup of chopped parsley
0.5 cup of olive oil
1-2 tbsp of pomegranate juice or 1 lemon
0.5 tbsp of cumin
2 tbsp of red pepper paste or tomato paste
salt
8-10 leaves of romaine lettuce
5-6 kalamata olives to garnish

How to prepare

Soak cracked wheat in 6 cups of hot water for 30 minutes.
Cut cucumber and tomato into small cubes. Chop green onion into thin slices and add parsley. Mix them well.
Drain the wheat and add the paste, salt, cumin, lemon, and olive oil. Mix well.
Then add all the veggies and mix well.
Serve it at room temperature.
You may serve it with romaine lettuce.
The guests can serve themselves by filling a romaine lettuce with tabouleh.
Garnish it with kalamata.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Mix in some chopped mint or dill for a fresh and herby twist.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the cracked wheat in hot water for at least 30 minutes to soften it before mixing it with the other ingredients.

- Use fresh and ripe tomatoes and cucumbers for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of lemon and olive oil to suit your taste preferences.

- For a more authentic flavor, use Turkish cumin if available.

Serving Suggestions

Kisir can be served as a side dish or appetizer with grilled meats, kebabs, or as part of a mezze platter. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Kisir is to mix the ingredients well and let the flavors meld together for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the cracked wheat to absorb the dressing and for the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cracked wheat, you can use bulgur or quinoa as a substitute. You can also customize the vegetables used in the recipe based on your preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

Kisir can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to mix it well before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Kisir in a large bowl or platter and garnish with fresh herbs, olives, and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve it in individual lettuce cups for a fun and interactive dining experience.

Pairing Recommendations

Kisir pairs well with grilled meats, kebabs, roasted vegetables, and other Mediterranean dishes. It also goes well with yogurt-based sauces, hummus, and pita bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Kisir in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few seconds or let it come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kisir contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kisir contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Kisir contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Kisir contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Kisir is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate from the vegetables used in the recipe.

Alergens

Kisir contains wheat and may contain traces of gluten. It is also vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Summary

Kisir is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in fiber. It is a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Kisir is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its fresh and vibrant flavors, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Kisir. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Fatma in her small village in Turkey. As soon as I stepped into her kitchen, I was hit with the most amazing aroma of spices and herbs that I had ever encountered.

Fatma greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she pulled out a large bowl filled with a vibrant mixture of bulgur, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. She explained that this dish was called Kisir, a traditional Turkish salad that was both delicious and nutritious.

I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures in the dish, and I begged Fatma to teach me how to make it. She laughed and handed me a knife, telling me to start chopping the vegetables while she prepared the bulgur.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Fatma shared the story of how she had learned to make Kisir from her own grandmother many years ago. She explained that Kisir was a staple in Turkish cuisine, often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

As we mixed the ingredients together and added a generous amount of olive oil and lemon juice, I could feel a sense of joy and satisfaction wash over me. There was something special about preparing food with someone you care about, using fresh and wholesome ingredients that were full of flavor.

When we finally sat down to eat our meal, I was blown away by the taste of the Kisir. The combination of tangy lemon juice, spicy peppers, and aromatic herbs was simply divine. I could understand why Fatma had held onto this recipe for so many years.

After that day, I made Kisir regularly in my own kitchen, tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I experimented with different types of herbs and vegetables, adding my own unique twist to the traditional dish.

Over the years, I shared the recipe for Kisir with friends and family, passing on the knowledge that Fatma had graciously shared with me. I taught my own grandchildren how to make the dish, hoping to instill in them a love for cooking and a respect for the traditions that had been passed down through generations.

As I look back on that fateful day in Fatma's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the experience and the memories that we shared. The recipe for Kisir may have originated in Turkey, but it has become a beloved part of my own culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds of friendship and love.