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.

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:

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.
In a separate bowl, combine the tomato paste, red pepper paste, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
Pour the paste mixture over the softened bulgur and mix thoroughly to ensure the bulgur is evenly coated.
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.)
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.

The Patio at 24/1, JW Marriott Bengaluru Introduces New All-Day Dining Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on July 12, 2026

The Patio at 24/1, located at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, has introduced a refreshed all-day dining menu curated by Chef Afzal Mahmood. Bringing together global flavours, contemporary techniques, and comforting favourites, the new menu has been designed to cater to guests throughout the day, from leisurely breakfasts to relaxed evening meals.

The breakfast selection is headlined by the Ms. Patio Big Breakfast, featuring eggs prepared to guests' preference, beef bacon, chicken sausage, and crispy potatoes. The offering is designed to provide a hearty start to the day while reflecting the restaurant's relaxed yet refined dining philosophy.

Guests can also explore a variety of globally inspired small plates, including Lebanese Batata Harra served with roasted red pepper dip and Edamame & Red Cheddar Croquetas paired with saffron aioli and jalapeño salsa, offering vibrant flavours and contemporary presentation.

The main course menu highlights Chef Afzal Mahmood's international culinary approach with dishes such as Homemade Almond Butter Ricotta & Young Spinach Ravioli finished with tomato basil pecorino fondue, Saffron Seafood Cappelletti served in a delicate creamy bisque, and Premium Pink Cut Salmon complemented by saffron caviar butter sauce and a refreshing citrus fennel salad.

For dessert, guests can indulge in A Must Eat Risotto, a creative sweet dish featuring white chocolate gelato and almond crumble, or enjoy the restaurant's signature Tiramisu, prepared using a family recipe that dates back 58 years.

Whether visiting after a game on the pickleball court, enjoying a casual breakfast meeting, or extending lunch into the afternoon, The Patio at 24/1's new menu offers an elevated yet approachable dining experience in the heart of Bengaluru.

The menu is available daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM at The Patio at 24/1, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru. The average cost for two is approximately INR 3,000 plus taxes.

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Maize & Malt Introduces Viral Rose Jalebi Tres Leches with an Indian Twist in Bengaluru

By Author

Published on July 12, 2026

As Tres Leches continues to dominate dessert menus and social media feeds across the world, Bengaluru-based Maize & Malt has introduced its own Indian-inspired interpretation with the launch of the Rose Jalebi Tres Leches.

Bringing together the richness of the classic Latin American dessert with the familiar flavours of jalebi and rose, the new creation reflects the growing trend of reimagining traditional Indian favourites through contemporary culinary techniques.

The dessert features a light and airy sponge soaked in three kinds of milk, layered with crisp jalebi for texture and finished with delicate rose flavours. The combination delivers a balance of creamy richness, sweetness, and crunch, offering diners a fresh take on one of the internet's most popular desserts.

Designed for guests who enjoy innovative desserts as well as those seeking nostalgic Indian flavours, the Rose Jalebi Tres Leches blends global inspiration with local culinary traditions in a single serving.

Located in Bengaluru's Mahadevapura, Maize & Malt continues to expand its menu with inventive offerings that celebrate both international food trends and regional influences, positioning itself as a destination for contemporary dining experiences.