Turkey’s Beloved Bulgur Salad and How to Make It

Turkey’s Beloved Bulgur Salad and How to Make It

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 6, 2024

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.

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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.

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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.


Comfort Meets Craft at Anardana with a Winter Menu Inspired by Indian Classics

Comfort Meets Craft at Anardana with a Winter Menu Inspired by Indian Classics

By Hariharan U

Published on December 16, 2025

As winter sets in, Anardana welcomes the season with a specially curated Winter Menu that celebrates India’s much-loved seasonal dishes, reimagined with a contemporary approach. Rooted in freshness and familiar flavours, the menu reflects the restaurant’s focus on comfort-driven food crafted with care and balance.

The winter offering opens with the Lamb Bone Marrow Soup, a slow-simmered broth that delivers deep, layered flavours and comforting warmth, making it a perfect start to a cold evening. For those who enjoy rich yet delicate preparations, the Murgh Methi Malai stands out with tender chicken gently cooked with fenugreek and malai, finished with charcoal parmesan shards that add a subtle smoky note.

Vegetarian diners can enjoy the Tandoori Broccoli with Masoor Dal Hummus, where smoky, tandoor-roasted broccoli is paired with a smooth and mildly spiced lentil hummus. The dish brings together familiar Indian flavours with a modern presentation, offering balance and depth in every bite.

A true winter favourite, Makke di Roti and Sarson da Saag, anchors the menu with nostalgia and warmth, capturing the essence of the season and the comfort of traditional Indian kitchens.

To complement the food, Anardana also introduces winter beverages designed to warm and soothe. The Anardana Special Mulled Wine is served warm with citrus and spice notes, while the Kashmiri Kahwa offers a lighter option with saffron, green tea, and almonds.

Every dish on the Winter Menu reflects Anardana’s philosophy of honouring Indian culinary heritage while adding thoughtful, contemporary touches. The result is a dining experience that feels familiar, comforting, and quietly elevated — ideal for the winter months.

Address: Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi


Daryaganj Brings a Traditional North Indian Winter Feast Inspired by Timeless Recipes

Daryaganj Brings a Traditional North Indian Winter Feast Inspired by Timeless Recipes

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 16, 2025

This winter, Daryaganj invites diners to experience a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by the timeless flavours of North India. Rooted in closely guarded recipes from 1947, the seasonal offering celebrates the comforting ingredients and traditional cooking techniques that define North Indian winter cuisine. Each dish is crafted to bring warmth, nostalgia and authenticity to the dining table.

The winter journey begins with Bhutta Shorba, a wholesome and warming soup prepared using seasonal corn, setting the tone for a comforting feast. The starter selection includes delicately marinated Paneer Methi Malai Tikka and Chicken Tikka Methi Malai, char-grilled in the tandoor to achieve a fragrant and smoky depth that reflects the essence of traditional North Indian cooking.

The main course highlights the heart of North Indian winter dining with the classic Sarson Ka Saag, served with freshly made Makki Ki Roti and Bathua Ka Raita. This comforting combination captures the true spirit of the season and remains a winter favourite across generations. For those seeking hearty variations, the menu also features Sarson Saag Chicken and Saag Meat, prepared using authentic ingredients and slow-cooked methods inspired by Daryaganj’s culinary legacy.

The experience concludes on a sweet note with Daryaganj’s bestselling Gulab Jamun, soft and rich, offering a nostalgic finish to the traditional winter meal.

At Daryaganj, winter dining goes beyond food. It is an experience rooted in tradition, warmth and heritage, where every dish tells a story of North India’s culinary past, thoughtfully prepared to create lasting memories for families and loved ones.

The Traditional North Indian Winter Feast is available across all Daryaganj outlets for guests to enjoy throughout the winter season.


Delhi Bans Coal and Firewood Tandoors to Curb Rising Air Pollution

Delhi Bans Coal and Firewood Tandoors to Curb Rising Air Pollution

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 16, 2025

In a strong move to tackle worsening air quality, the Delhi government has imposed a blanket ban on the use of coal and firewood tandoors across the capital. The decision comes as part of enhanced pollution control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, aimed at reducing emissions during high-pollution phases.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has also prohibited all forms of open burning, including garbage burning, at hotels, restaurants, dhabas, and street-side food outlets. All food establishments have been instructed to immediately switch to electric or gas-based tandoors in order to minimise harmful emissions contributing to poor air quality.

The directive has been issued under the Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act and reinforced through GRAP provisions, making compliance mandatory for all categories of eateries operating in the city. Officials stated that the restriction on coal and firewood usage had already been identified as a critical measure to control emissions during severe pollution periods.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has further enforced a complete ban on open burning across the city and empowered district administrations and municipal authorities to take strict action against violators. Fines of up to Rs 5,000 can be imposed on those found violating the ban. In a public appeal, she urged citizens to avoid open burning and highlighted that collective responsibility can bring meaningful change to the city’s air quality.

To ensure effective implementation, municipal bodies and senior officials have been directed to conduct inspections across eateries and food establishments. Enforcement teams have been asked to ensure strict compliance with the approved fuel norms outlined by the Commission for Air Quality Management and related GRAP guidelines. Any violation of these rules will attract penalties.

As pollution levels continue to rise across India’s largest urban landscape, the move has drawn significant attention. The ban reflects the state government’s intensified efforts to address air pollution through regulatory action, enforcement, and public cooperation, highlighting the urgent need for cleaner practices within the hospitality and food service sector.

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