Turkey is a country that boasts an incredibly rich and varied cuisine, full of delectable flavours and textures. From spicy kebabs to creamy köfte, Turkish food has something for everyone. The ingredients are often easy to find in most grocery stores, making it simple to recreate these dishes at home.
So, if you’re looking for a way to spice up your dinner routine, why not give some of these classic Turkish recipes a try? From hearty stews and soups to flavorful sides and desserts, there’s something here for every taste bud!
Here are some delicious Turkish recipes that will tantalize your tastebuds!
Iskender Kebab
This dish from the northwestern city of Bursa in Turkey is a unique take on the classic doner kebab. The traditional version is made with cubes of grilled lamb or beef served over pita bread and topped with yogurt and tomato sauce.
Iskender Kebab takes things up a notch by adding butter to the sauce and topping the kebab with paprika, sumac, and diced onion. The result is an incredibly flavorful and juicy dish that will leave you wanting more!
Turkish Bagel
The Turkish version of the classic bagel is a fluffy, brioche-like bread that’s made with eggs and butter. To make simit dough at home, begin by combining all-purpose flour, milk, yeast, and salt in a mixer. Then, add the eggs one at a time until the dough is nice and soft. Finally, the dough is then shaped into rings and baked until golden brown before being served hot with honey or jam.
If you want to take your Turkish bagels up a notch, try making them with a variety of fillings, such as feta cheese and olives. There are as many variations of simit as you want—the possibilities are almost endless!
Köfte
Köfte is a type of Turkish meatball made from ground beef or lamb mixed with bulgur wheat and spices like cumin, paprika, garlic, and parsley. Köfte is a popular and classic Turkish dish that’s incredibly versatile; it can be served alone, with vegetables and salad, or in a wrap. It’s relatively easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.
To start, mix the ground beef or lamb with bulgur wheat, garlic, cumin, paprika, parsley, and salt to taste. Place the mixture in a bowl and knead well for about five minutes until it’s fully incorporated. Form the köfte into small balls—you should get about twenty from the mixture—and chill them in the refrigerator for an hour or so before cooking.
To cook the köfte, heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet. Place the köfte in the pan and fry them until they’re golden brown on all sides. Serve your delicious homemade köfte with vegetable side dishes or inside a wrap for a filling meal!
Tahini and Yogurt Soup (Cacık)
This traditional Turkish soup is a refreshing combination of tahini, yogurt, and cucumber. The dish gets its name from the Greek word for “yogurt” (tzatziki or cacık). To make this creamy soup, start by combining 1 cup of tahini, 2 cups of yogurt, and 3-4 tablespoons of water in a blender. Add one cucumber (peeled and cut into small cubes) to the mixture then blend until everything is combined. Serve chilled or at room temperature with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
You can also add garlic, dill, mint, and lemon juice to your soup for additional flavour. Serve with a dash of paprika or sumac on top and enjoy the cool, creamy taste of this traditional Turkish soup.
Karnıyarık (Stuffed Eggplant)
The classic stuffed eggplant dish is a favourite among both locals and tourists in Turkey. To make this dish, start by cutting an eggplant lengthwise and scooping out the insides (reserving them for later). As you scoop, be careful not to puncture the skin or the eggplant will become too mushy when cooked.
Then, stuff the hollowed-out eggplants with a mixture of ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato paste, parsley, and spices. Place the stuffed eggplants in a baking dish and top them with olive oil before baking them in the oven until they’re nice and golden.
Serve hot with a side of couscous or rice for an authentic Turkish meal.
Turkish cuisine is full of flavour and variety, with dishes like Iskender Kebab, Turkish Bagel (Simit), Köfte, Tahini and Yogurt Soup (Cacık), and Karnıyarık. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or an indulgent meal to share with family or friends, these recipes offer something for everyone.
With ingredients like ground beef, bulgur wheat, tahini, yogurt, and eggplant, you’ll create a meal full of flavor and tradition that is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more.
