Turkish fish cakes with preserved lemon yogurt
This terrific starter from Diana Henry is wonderfully versatile. While it’s traditionally served with yogurt on the side, you could just as easily pair it with a lemon or herb mayonnaise. Add a finishing touch of finely sliced onions with sumac and parsley for extra freshness. Serves 4 Ingredients 500g fillets firm white fish, such as […]
Spinach and Feta Cheese Börek
Börek has been at the heart of Turkish kitchens for centuries, a dish that travels effortlessly from family breakfast tables to bustling street markets. Its origins stretch back through the Ottoman Empire, where layers of delicate pastry and savoury fillings became a symbol of comfort and celebration. Today, cheese and spinach börek remains one of […]
Rose Cream & Raspberry Jellies
With all the flavours of Turkish delight, these fragrant Middle Eastern-style puddings make a light finish to an entertaining menu. Recipe courtesy of Cassie Best (goodFOOD) Serves 6 Ingredients 135g pack raspberryjelly 500ml double cream 1 tsp rosewater 12 raspberries (halved) Drizzle of clear honey Small handful mint leaves 1 tbsp pistachio (chopped) Method Boil a kettle. Break the […]
Fethiye’s Secret Flavour: Mercimek Yoğurtlama
Have you ever tasted Mercimek Yoğurtlama (Lentil Yogurt), one of Fethiye’s best-kept culinary secrets? While Fethiye is well known for its turquoise coastlines and lush nature, its local cuisine is just as rich and vibrant — and Mercimek Yoğurtlama is a true hidden gem that deserves a spot on your table. What is Mercimek Yoğurtlama ? […]
Alinazik Kebab: A Turkish Classic
The translation of this kebab’s name might be “Ali-polite,” which could sound unusual if seen on an English menu at a Turkish restaurant. However, the name actually comes from the Ottoman phrase “ala nazik”, which translates to “delightful dish.” Despite its humble name, this kebab is simple yet incredibly satisfying. It’s a specialty of the […]
Künefe: the ultimate Turkish dessert experience
A delectable Turkish dessert made with stringy cheese and crispy, buttery pastry—it’s no wonder künefe is a crowd favourite! Make your own with this recipe from Ozlem’s Turkish Table Serves 6 Ingredients 225g/8oz shredded kadayif – künefe pastry strands, thawed if frozen 145g/5oz melted unsalted butter 300g/12oz fresh mozzarella, sliced (or Antakya’s white cheese for künefe, künefelik peynir or dil peyniri in Türkiye if […]
Three-cheese pide with egg and salsa verde
This decadent three-cheese pide (a kind-of oval Turkish pizza) with fill you with the rich joys of life. The acidity in the salsa verde cuts through the richness. Recipe taken from Berber & Q: On Vegetables by Josh Katz (£25 Kyle Books). Ingredients Plain flour to dust 3 pide dough balls 3 medium free-range eggs 2 […]
Piyaz – Turkish White Bean Salad
Piyaz, a refreshing, creamy and zesty Turkish white bean salad that is the perfect side dish when you want to impress. It comes together in 10 minutes and can be made in advance. Ingredients For The Dressing ¼ cup olive oil 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 garlic clove peeled and minced 2 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper For Piyaz Salad […]
Labneh with pul biber brown butter (atom meze)
Recipe by Hasan Semay Labneh is served as a cold starter in restaurants around Türkiye and the Middle East – here, Hasan tops it with a nutty and aromatic brown butter that’s been infused with classic Turkish spice, pul biber. It might sound fancy, but this recipe is about as effortless as it gets! Ingredients […]
Recipes: Traditional Haydarı (Tangy Yogurt Dip)
Normally served as part of a meze spread, this tangy, yogurt based dip has hints of garlic and herbs. Traditional Haydarı recipes such as this use strained yoghurt and a little white cheese for extra zing. Ingredients 1 Large garlic clove Generous pinch of salt 2 Teaspoons Turkish white cheese (Beyaz Peyniri) or Feta cheese 1 Teaspoon Extra virgin olive oil […]