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.


Sip Into Summer with Tata Coffee Gold’s Café-Style Indulgent Coffee Range

Sip Into Summer with Tata Coffee Gold’s Café-Style Indulgent Coffee Range

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 20, 2026

As summer temperatures rise and days grow longer, coffee lovers are turning to cooler, more refreshing ways to enjoy their daily brew. Tata Coffee Gold is tapping into this shift with its premium freeze-dried coffee range, designed to bring café-style indulgence right into the comfort of home.

The range is crafted for both hot and cold coffee preparations, making it easy to enjoy everything from iced lattes on warm afternoons to rich, comforting evening brews. With five distinct flavours, each cup is designed to elevate everyday coffee moments into something more indulgent and refreshing.

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The Original variant offers a classic café experience with a rich, full-bodied taste and strong aroma, made possible through freeze-dried technology that locks in freshness and flavour.

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For those who prefer a softer profile, the Vanilla variant adds a smooth, mellow sweetness, making it ideal for creamy lattes or chilled iced coffees. It brings a comforting touch to everyday coffee routines.

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The Hazelnut flavour is designed for coffee drinkers who enjoy a nutty, gourmet twist. It delivers a rich aroma that works perfectly for café-style mochas and mid-day coffee breaks.

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For indulgence seekers, the Brownie variant transforms coffee into a dessert-like experience, offering deep, chocolatey notes that pair well with evening cravings or sweet treats.

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Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, the Tiramisu variant blends coffee with creamy and cocoa-like undertones, creating a layered and luxurious drinking experience with every sip.

With this range, Tata Coffee Gold aims to turn everyday kitchens into personal cafés, offering consumers a simple way to enjoy café-style coffee experiences at home, one flavour at a time.


TWH Hospitality Launches Second Nazeer Foods Restaurant in Zirakpur

TWH Hospitality Launches Second Nazeer Foods Restaurant in Zirakpur

By Hariharan U

Published on May 20, 2026

TWH Hospitality has launched its second Nazeer Foods restaurant at Pooja Plazzio in Zirakpur, marking another milestone in the company’s expanding hospitality portfolio across North India. The newly opened outlet is being positioned as Chandigarh–Tricity’s first authentic Old Delhi-themed Mughlai fine-dining restaurant, combining heritage-inspired interiors with premium hospitality and traditional flavours.

Founded over four decades ago, Nazeer Foods has built a strong reputation for authentic Mughlai cuisine, traditional recipes, and a loyal customer base across Delhi-NCR. The Zirakpur expansion reflects the brand’s continued efforts to take its Old Delhi culinary legacy beyond the capital region while preserving its signature dining experience.

The restaurant has been developed as a premium dine-in destination featuring Mughlai-inspired aesthetics, elegant seating, warm hospitality, and a refined ambience designed for families, professionals, and food enthusiasts across the Tricity region.

The launch follows TWH Hospitality’s earlier strategic partnership announcement with Nazeer Foods aimed at hospitality and culinary expansion. The company had previously integrated Nazeer Foods’ kitchen operations into its Goa hospitality venture to strengthen premium Mughlai dining and online delivery offerings in the region.

Speaking on the expansion, the management stated that demand for premium Indian dining concepts continues to rise in emerging lifestyle destinations such as Zirakpur and Chandigarh–Tricity. The company further shared that it is actively exploring additional opportunities across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi-NCR through fine-dine and high-street hospitality formats.

Backed by ICCPL Group, TWH Hospitality has steadily expanded its presence across cafés, resorts, and premium food ventures. The group has gained visibility through hospitality ventures including Boho By The Beach Resort and The Boho Box Café while continuing collaborations with established hospitality and food brands.

The Zirakpur outlet is expected to emerge as a key dining destination for residents across Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and nearby regions seeking an authentic Mughlai fine-dining experience inspired by Old Delhi’s rich culinary heritage.


Gourmet Food Brand Coração Do Vale Enters the Indian Market with Chef Davinder Kumar

Gourmet Food Brand Coração Do Vale Enters the Indian Market with Chef Davinder Kumar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 20, 2026

Portugal’s gourmet extra virgin olive oil brand Coração Do Vale has officially entered the Indian market with a special culinary showcase held on a Friday afternoon at Le Meridien. The event, titled The Portuguese Pour – Chef DK’s Tasting Series, brought together the heritage of Portugal’s olive-growing tradition and over five decades of culinary expertise by Chef Davinder Kumar.

The exclusive, invitation-only experience introduced Indian food enthusiasts to Coração Do Vale, an ultra-premium EVOO sourced from the sun-drenched olive groves of Baixo Alentejo, Portugal. The brand has been brought to India by Leads Brand Connect, aiming to showcase the richness of Portuguese olive oil culture to Indian kitchens.

The tasting menu, curated by Chef DK, highlighted the versatility of Coração Do Vale and how it can connect European fine dining techniques with familiar Indian flavours. The menu featured creative live demonstrations of four signature dishes designed specially for the occasion: Tomato & Raw Mango Carpaccio with Kalamata Dust, EVOO & Shaved Parmesan, Charred Sweet Potato Chaat, Bajra Crisp, Imli Jaggery & EVOO Reduction, Pan Seared Sole with Mint, Caper & EVOO Tapenade, and Rustic Carrot & Cinnamon Cake.

Guests were also welcomed with crostini, olive focaccia with EVOO, and roasted makhana. The meal began with Broccoli Almond Soup paired with EVOO Pesto Crostini, followed by a multi-course spread that included Pan Seared Fish with Mint Caper & EVOO Tapenade, Murg Tikka Lazeez, Paneer Khaas, Pasta Aglio e Olio, and Dum Subz Biryani. The experience ended on a sweet note with Tiramisu, Mango Flan, Phirni, and Ice Cream, along with a signature mocktail infused with olive oil, an innovative touch that stood out for many guests.

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Speaking at the event, Richa Khandewal, Managing Director of Leads Brand Connect, said, “Today we celebrated the best in Indian culinary masterpiece and excellence of Portugal’s finest EVOO. What sets Coração Do Vale apart is not merely its provenance, but its personality. It was a perfect balance for Chef Davinder Kumar’s culinary excellence. We couldn’t have expected a better debut for Coração Do Vale in India than the kitchen of a legend like Chef DK. This tasting series is the beginning of a long and flavourful chapter in India's premium culinary story.”

Chef Davinder Kumar also shared his thoughts on the brand, saying, “What sets Coração Do Vale is not merely its provenance, but its personality. This comes from the seven native Portuguese olive varieties with each contributing a distinct note to the final pour. The results in a fine balance of fruity and grassy, creamy mid-palate and a clean, peppery finish, something refined enough to transform every dish it touches. Coração Do Vale never competes with the food, it completes it.”

Coração Do Vale is crafted using a blend of seven olive varieties: Arbequina, Arbosana, Cobrançosa, Picual, Cordovil, Verdeal, and Galega. This combination creates a balanced flavour profile with fruity and grassy notes, a creamy mid-palate, and a peppery finish. As an early-harvest, cold-extracted olive oil, it is rich in natural antioxidants and polyphenols, with low acidity, making it a premium gourmet choice.

Positioned as a luxury culinary essential, Coração Do Vale goes beyond being just an ingredient. It enhances everything from salads, pastas, soups, grilled meats, to artisanal breads. It can also be paired with herbs, citrus, garlic, and chili to create refined flavour combinations, making it versatile for both everyday cooking and fine dining.

With its elegant packaging and artisanal story, the brand is also being positioned as a premium gifting option, especially for festive and wedding occasions. It is available exclusively through its direct-to-consumer platform, Amazon India, and select premium gourmet stores across Delhi and NCR.

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