This zucchini (sometimes called courgette) based recipe is an adaptation of a very popular starter called “kolokithokeftedes” in Greece (which translates as “zucchini meatballs”), which is also known in Turkey as “mucver.” The main difference with the classic recipe is that it will not be necessary to deep-fry the fritters in a huge amount of oil, which is much healthier.
Tag: mediterranean diet
Greek beef and tomato stew (“moskhari kokkinisto”)
This recipe is a traditional Greek stew, and its translation means “reddened beef”. This name is due to the color that the tomato sauce gives to the dish. The meat is cooked for a long time over low heat with vegetables and tomato, until a bite is so tender that it can be cut with a spoon.
How to cook snails
For many people, snails surely seem exotic or even intimidating. However, they are highly appreciated in many Mediterranean countries, especially in Spain, France and Greece. If we buy already clean snails, their preparation is very simple and quick. Otherwise, we must observe certain previous steps, which are indicated here.
Bake “Koulouri Thessalonikis” or “Simit” at home
“Koulouri” (plural “koulouria”) is the name of a type of bagel very popular throughout Greece, originally from Thessaloniki. Its Turkish equivalent, equally popular in its country, is called “simit.” They are ring-shaped and covered with sesame seeds. Their charm lies in the fact that they are crispy and golden on the outside, while spongy and tender on the inside.
Greek Easter bread “tsoureki”
“Tsoureki” is the name of a spicy Greek bread, also known in Turkey as “Paskalya Çöreği” (literally “Easter bread”) and in Armenia as “Choreg”. It is a tradition to bake it in every home for Easter and its typical braided shape represents the Holy Trinity. However, as it is a very tasty and appreciated bread, it is common to find it throughout the year in bakeries.
Roman-style artichokes (carciofi alla romana)
This vegetarian dish is a true emblem of Roman cuisine. These artichokes are served as starter or “antipasto” in many restaurants in the Italian capital, but Romans often eat them as a salty snack, often as a filling for focaccia. This recipe was traditionally considered the poor variant, unlike “carciofi alla giudia”, which are fried in extra virgin olive oil, a prohibitive ingredient in past times.
Navarra-style cod recipe (bacalao ajoarriero)
This cod recipe (“bacalao ajoarriero” in Spanish) is a fish stew associated with the Basque Country and Navarra, although many other regions of Spain have similar dishes. It is said that its origin is due to the muleteers who travelled by mule, hence its name. Like any traditional dish, there are countless variations, so we can do without some of the ingredients if desired.
Eggplant and meatballs kebab (“patlican kebabi”)
A popular Turkish recipe that is very easy to prepare. It’s only necessary to alternate the meatballs (köfte in Turkish) with the eggplant pieces on a tray. It’s then completed with other vegetables to taste, a little tomato is added and after an hour in the oven, the magic happens!
A guide of Turkish foods to try
Turkish cuisine is one of the largest and most varied in the entire world. The numerous Mediterranean ingredients with an enormous territorial extension and a very ancient history inherited from several centuries of splendor of the Ottoman Empire are united in this culture. That is why it’s impossible to summarize all of its culinary offerings here, but this guide will serve as a comprehensive introduction to its most popular foods.
Greek-style meatballs with rice soup (Youvarlakia)
This is a traditional recipe that, however, is not usually present on the menu of Greek taverns, since it’s prepared primarily in winter. Youvarlakia (or Giuvarlakia) is the name of these very aromatic meatballs with rice, which are served in a soup usually thickened with yogurt, or with a lemon and egg sauce called “avgolémono”.
