Ayran is a very popular drink in Turkey, prepared with only three ingredients: yogurt, water and salt. Preparing homemade ayran is therefore very simple, fast and economical. This recipe can’t be missed when we make Lahmacun at home!
Tag: türkiye
Chicken with dried apricots, almonds and raisins (Mahmudiye)
This chicken with dried apricots, almonds and raisins is a distinguished recipe from Ottoman cuisine, and its original Turkish name is Mahmudiye. The dried fruit and an eventual addition of honey give a sweet touch to this chicken, which is contrasted with a little lemon juice. The crunch of almonds and a particular perfume of spices such as cinnamon and turmeric or saffron are also added.
Healthy zucchini fritters recipe
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.
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.
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!
Turkish “Karniyarik” healthy recipe
Karniyarik! A classic of any Turkish cookbook. Everyone loves these aubergines stuffed with minced meat and tomato sauce. This is a healthier recipe, since we are not going to fry the aubergines, but either bake or roast them.
Circassian chicken or “Çerkez Tavuğu”
Circassian chicken or “çerkez tavuğu” is a distinguished dish of Ottoman cuisine. It was brought from the Caucasus to Turkey by the Circassians, who had to emigrate after being persecuted by the Tatars. A similar recipe called satsivi is found in Georgian cuisine, from which I extract some spices that I suggest trying in this preparation.
How to make Köfte (Turkish-style meatballs)
These meatballs are originally from Turkey. The secret of its flavor and consistency is not only in the spices or seasonings, but also in the fact that the meat is ground again. Thus, a perfect texture is achieved, without the need to add breadcrumbs or eggs.
Eggplant salad recipe
This title may sound strange in English, but it is the exact translation of a very traditional mezze called melitzanosalata in Greek or patlican salatasi in Turkish. With few further ingredients, it can also turn into baba ganush or mutabbal, both very popular in many regions of the Middle East.
My Hünkar Beğendi recipe
Hünkar Beğendi is an icon of Ottoman cuisine and its name translates as “the Sultan’s delight” or simply “the Sultan liked it”. It is a roasted eggplant puree, thickened with a bechamel sauce and/or cream, on which a meat stew is served. Here you can find both a keto version and other classic alternatives.