Kısır is a cherished dish from Turkey, woven deeply into the social and culinary fabric of the country. This zesty and vibrant salad, made primarily of fine bulgur wheat, is celebrated not only for its delightful taste but also for its simplicity and versatility. 

Kısır’s roots are firmly planted in the southeastern regions of Turkey, particularly in cities like Gaziantep and Adana. With a history influenced by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, it shares similarities with the Levantine tabbouleh but stands out due to its unique blend of ingredients and regional variations.

Traditionally, kısır is more than just food; it's a symbol of community. It often appears at social gatherings, from afternoon tea parties to family dinners, where it's served as part of a broader array of meze (appetizers). Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it an especially popular choice during the spring and summer months when lighter, more refreshing dishes are preferred.

The base of kısır is fine bulgur, a type of cracked wheat that is both nutritious and filling. Unlike its coarser cousin used in pilafs, the fine bulgur is simply soaked rather than cooked, preserving its slightly chewy texture.

How to Make Traditional Kısır?

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (optional for more spice)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 large lemon (or more, to taste)
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 3 green onions, finely sliced
• Salt and red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the bulgur in a large bowl and cover it with warm water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it softens. Drain any excess water and fluff with a fork.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the tomato paste, red pepper paste, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
3. Pour the paste mixture over the softened bulgur and mix thoroughly to ensure the bulgur is evenly coated.
4. Mix in the chopped parsley and green onions. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste. (Some regional versions include diced cucumbers or fresh mint for an extra layer of freshness.)
5. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra parsley or a few pomegranate seeds if desired.

Psst! Additional Tips 

If you prefer a more citrusy taste, add extra lemon juice. For a richer, slightly sweet flavor, increase the amount of pomegranate molasses. And, letting kısır rest in the refrigerator for an hour or so allows the flavors to meld together.

With its combination of hearty bulgur, bold seasonings, and fresh vegetables, it’s both satisfying and health-conscious. Moreover, kısır is vegan-friendly, making it suitable for diverse dietary preferences.

In celebration of its 15th anniversary, Indian Accent, the globally acclaimed modern Indian restaurant, is set to host an exclusive pop-up event at ALBA, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, on November 9 and 10, 2024. This limited-time event, led by Head Chef Hitesh Lohat, invites the city's food enthusiasts to explore Indian Accent’s unique approach to Indian cuisine, where traditional flavors meet inventive cooking techniques.

A Modern Twist on Indian Classics

Known for its innovative culinary style, Indian Accent reimagines traditional Indian dishes using global ingredients and techniques. The specially curated pop-up menu promises a memorable dining experience, with vegetarian delights such as tofu medu vadai with madras gunpowder and sambar cream, and arbi galawat with crispy sevai and barberry chutney. Non-vegetarian options include the Kanyakumari crab with tellicherry pepper, and meetha achaar pork ribs with dried mango and sour apple. For dessert, guests can indulge in delicacies like daulat ki chaat with rose petal chikki and roasted almonds, and doda barfi treacle tart with vanilla bean ice cream.

Each dish on the menu reflects Indian Accent’s signature style, blending Indian flavors with international techniques to create dishes that excite adventurous palates while evoking a sense of nostalgia.

Exclusive Dining Experience

With limited seating, this exclusive pop-up offers Bengaluru’s discerning diners a rare opportunity to savor Indian Accent’s celebrated dishes. Speaking about the event, Gaurav Sinha, Hotel Manager at JW Marriott Bengaluru, said, "We’re honored to host Indian Accent at ALBA for this unique culinary journey. This pop-up brings their world-renowned dishes to the Bengaluru audience, reimagined with local sensibilities. It’s a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences in the city."

Chef Hitesh Lohat shared his excitement, saying, “We're thrilled to kick off our 15-year India tour with a pop-up at ALBA. We’ll be presenting a creative interpretation of Indian flavors, inviting guests to join us for an unforgettable culinary journey.”

Event Details

• Where: ALBA, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
• When: November 9-10, 2024
• Time: Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM; 9:30 PM to closing
• Price: INR 5500 plus taxes per person | Cocktails at INR 2500 plus taxes per person
• Reservations: +91 8884675454

About Indian Accent

Indian Accent, New Delhi, is recognized globally for its modern take on Indian cuisine. Voted the No. 1 restaurant in India by Conde Nast Traveller 2023 and consistently on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list since 2013, Indian Accent also made it to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024. With outposts in New York and Mumbai, Indian Accent is celebrated for its innovative approach to Indian dining.

About JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, overlooking the scenic Cubbon Park, offers luxury accommodations and five dining venues, including ALBA, Spice Terrace, and JW Kitchen. With extensive meeting and banquet spaces and a Spa by JW, it caters to both business and leisure travelers.