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.


Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic Opens Second Outlet in Patna, Marks 64th Store Nationwide

Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic Opens Second Outlet in Patna, Marks 64th Store Nationwide

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 18, 2025

Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic, India’s fastest-growing live-popsicle and gelato brand, has officially launched its second outlet in Patna and 64th outlet across the country. The new store is located at Nasib Market, Ramnagri More, Ashiyana, bringing a fresh wave of interactive dessert experiences to Bihar’s capital.

Scuzo stands out for its live popsicle-making concept, where customers can create their own popsicles using real fruits, frozen live on the spot using a unique freezing technique. It’s not just a dessert—it’s an experience designed to be fresh, fun, and fully personalized.

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Beyond popsicles, the outlet offers a diverse dessert menu featuring handcrafted gelatos, crispy waffle cones, sundaes, and thick milkshakes. All items are made with 100% real fruit and premium ingredients, completely free of artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives.

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Gagan Anand, Founder of Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic, shared his excitement:

"Opening another store in Patna is a milestone for us. Our vision has always been to revolutionize the dessert industry in India—from the conventional, sugar-drenched to something enjoyable, healthier, and interactive. This store is proof of that vision being fulfilled in yet another energetic city."

Franchisee Partner Mohsin Raza Khan added,

"We are excited to bring Scuzo to the heart of Bihar. It's not just about desserts—it's about spreading delight. From the freshness of our ingredients to the excitement of live freezing, every aspect of the experience is crafted to impress our customers."

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Located in a bustling and youth-friendly zone, the new outlet is well-placed to attract families, students, and tourists alike. With its unique combination of health, flavour, and visual appeal, the store promises to be a go-to spot for dessert lovers looking for something different.

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As Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic continues its rapid growth across India, this launch in Patna reaffirms its commitment to offering innovative, handcrafted desserts with a healthy twist—making dessert guilt-free and fun at the same time.


Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala Unveils Marquee – Lonavala’s First-Ever Sky Bar

Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala Unveils Marquee – Lonavala’s First-Ever Sky Bar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 18, 2025

Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala is rewriting the rules of hilltop indulgence with the launch of Marquee — the first-ever sky bar in Lonavala, designed to elevate lifestyle experiences to a whole new level. Set against the stunning Sahyadri hills, Marquee offers more than just views — it’s a curated journey where nature meets luxury, and every moment feels cinematic.

Thoughtfully segmented into three distinctive zones — The Rock Bar, Eclectic Dining, and the serene Sunset Garden — the venue is an open-air escape where elegance and elemental beauty blend effortlessly. Whether it's a sunset toast at Vantage Point, a whimsical Champagne Boat on Wheels, or a stargazing session beneath the velvet sky, Marquee is packed with signature experiences designed to inspire wonder.

At its heart is a 25-feet sculptural rock bar, a bold centrepiece that anchors the space with character. Guests can witness culinary theatrics at the live chef’s table, enjoy globally inspired menus featuring Pan-Asian small plates, Mediterranean favourites, wood-fired pizzas, and artisanal pastas, or unwind to live entertainment ranging from soul-soothing bands to captivating illusionists.

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“With Marquee, we’re unveiling a fresh take on leisure and lifestyle in Lonavala,” said Faisal Nafees, General Manager, Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala. “Whether it’s golden hour cocktails or starlit celebrations, Marquee blends immersive experiences, sweeping views, and an atmosphere that’s both stylish and laid-back.”

The venue also transforms into an artful space by night, with rotating showcases, culinary pop-ups from celebrated chefs, and performances by illusionists and mentalists, creating what the team calls “a celestial gallery under the stars.”

Backed by the vision of Abhishek, Karan, and Parth — the young and dynamic directors of Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala — Marquee is just the beginning. Plans are already in motion to bring this elevated concept to Mumbai and explore beachfront expansions in Goa, taking the experience to other iconic locations.

“Marquee sets the stage for a new kind of escape, where every evening is a story waiting to unfold,” Faisal added.

With this launch, Radisson Lonavala reaffirms its place at the forefront of luxury hospitality, crafting moments that go beyond conventional hospitality to celebrate human connection, expression, and escape.


Continental Coffee Brings UK’s Percol Brand to India, Launches Premium Instant Coffee Range

Continental Coffee Brings UK’s Percol Brand to India, Launches Premium Instant Coffee Range

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 17, 2025

 CCL Products (India) Ltd., a leading coffee manufacturer, has announced the India launch of Percol, the iconic premium coffee brand from the UK. Acquired by CCL in 2023, Percol is now being introduced to Indian shelves with three freeze-dried instant coffee variants — Intenzo, Da Essenza, and Espresso Noir — each crafted for discerning coffee lovers.

Percol has a strong legacy dating back to 1987, when it was founded by Brian Chapman and became the first UK coffee brand to earn Fairtrade certification. Built on the pillars of quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainability, Percol has been a top choice among conscious consumers in the UK for over three decades. With this launch, CCL aims to bring that same heritage and experience to India’s evolving coffee market.imageCommenting on the launch, Praveen Jaipuriar, CEO, CCL Products (India) Ltd., said:
"The Indian coffee landscape is evolving rapidly, with consumers increasingly seeking sophisticated flavours and meaningful brand experiences. Percol represents not just premium coffee, but a philosophy that resonates with today's nuanced consumer, who is particular about the sophistication, depth and the value of the products they consume.”

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The new variants - Intenzo, Da Essenza, and Espresso Noir, feature beans sourced from top global coffee regions including Colombia and Vietnam. Each 100g jar is designed to deliver a unique flavour profile, perfect for those who appreciate the finer notes of premium coffee.

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In line with Percol’s sustainability-first approach, the products come in plastic-free, reusable glass jars, topped with metal lids, and packaged in premium matte-finish boxes featuring embossed design, spot-UV effects, and Percol’s signature vignette logo.

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Percol is now available across leading e-commerce platforms and select retail outlets in Tier-1 cities of North and West India, marking a key step in CCL’s goal to premiumise the Indian at-home coffee experience while introducing global coffee culture to Indian consumers.

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