Turkish-style lamb flatbreads
These lamb flatbreads are inspired by lahmacun (Turkish meat pizzas). The thin base is spread with a lamb mince and veg mixture, cooked until crisp, then topped with sumac-dusted onions. It’s normally a snack, but this has main event status thanks to a thicker, puffier dough that soaks up all that delicious fat from the richly spiced lamb. Be a better cook Try to get […]
Mantı – traditional tiny Turkish dumplings
The word mantı derives from mantu, meaning dumplings. The dumplings typically consist of a spiced meat mixture, usually lamb or ground beef, in a thin dough wrapper and either boiled or steamed. Mantı is traditionally served with a garlicky yoghurt sauce and a red pepper or tomato sauce. The origin is somewhat uncertain, it is thought that the dish may have […]
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 […]
Tahini and Molasses: essential ingredients for Türkiye’s winter cuisine
As Türkiye enters the winter season, its culinary practices adapt to the colder climate with dishes designed to provide comfort, warmth, and nutrition. Two key staples of the Turkish winter diet are tahini and molasses (pekmez). These ingredients have been integral to Turkish cuisine for centuries, valued for their nutritional benefits and versatility. Tahini: A […]
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 […]
Chestnut Hummus
This chestnut hummus is an easy, quick, and flavourful Middle Eastern-inspired dip, made with roasted or cooked chestnuts, tahini, lemon, and garlic. It offers a unique twist on traditional hummus by swapping chickpeas for chestnuts, creating a creamy and subtly sweet spread that’s just as versatile and delicious. Ingredients 1.5 cups Cooked Chestnuts ½ tsp Cumin Powder 2 tbsp Tahini 2 medium Garlic […]
Discovering the flavourful cuisine of Türkiye
The true essence of Türkiye lies in its vibrant local cuisine, making it essential for travellers to explore local delicacies, especially in smaller towns where authentic treats are not only delicious but also more affordable than their Western counterparts. By venturing beyond the familiar, you can uncover the delightful flavours that make Türkiye a gastronomic […]
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 […]