Eggplants are a staple in Turkish cooking, and we've gathered some of our favorite Turkish eggplant recipes in this collection. If you visit Türkiye during the summer, you'll see them everywhere. It's the time of year when eggplant dishes are on the menu in many Turkish homes. We grew up eating eggplants in all kinds of...
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Ali Nazik Kebab
Ali Nazik is one of the easiest Turkish kebabs you can make at home. Roasted eggplants are mixed with thick yogurt and topped with tender pan-fried lamb. It is packed with flavor and always a favorite whenever we serve it. A Turkish Kebab from Gaziantep If you're interested in Turkish cuisine, you've probably heard of Gaziantep. It's a city...
Purslane Salad (Semizotu Salatasi)
If you've never tried purslane before, this Turkish purslane salad, known as semizotu salatası, is a great place to start. Fresh purslane, tomatoes, parsley, onion and walnuts are tossed with a tangy pomegranate molasses dressing. The result is a crunchy, refreshing salad that's ready in just 15 minutes. Turkish Summer Favorite: Purslane Salad If you've ever...
Quick Turkish Pogaca with Dill (Dereotlu Pogaca)
This quick Turkish pogaca recipe with dill, known as dereotlu pogaca in Türkiye, is really easy to make. Since it’s made without yeast, there’s no need to wait for the dough to rise. These savory pastries have a soft, crumbly texture and taste just like the ones you’d find in Turkish bakeries. Want a Pogaca Recipe Without...
Sucuk and Eggs (Sucuklu Yumurta)
Sucuk and Eggs, or Sucuklu Yumurta as we call it in Türkiye, is one of the most loved Turkish breakfast dishes. Spicy, sizzling slices of Turkish sucuk cooked with eggs make a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. Serve it with fresh bread and hot Turkish tea on the side, and you have a breakfast we...
8 Turkish Egg Recipes for Breakfast and Beyond
There are so many delicious Turkish egg recipes to choose from. Some are perfect for breakfast, while others make a satisfying lunch or dinner. They’re all easy to prepare with simple ingredients, and these are the ones we love and make most often. The Classic Turkish Egg Recipes Everyone Knows These are the egg dishes...
Turkish Red Cabbage Salad
This Turkish Red Cabbage Salad is the salad we make most often at our dinner table. As a Turkish family, it’s always there because it’s super easy to make, really flavorful, and goes well with almost any dish. Plus, you can make it ahead of time too. What more could you ask for? If you asked us...
Ground Beef and Eggs Breakfast
Ground Beef and Eggs Breakfast is a simple and hearty one-pan dish made with ground beef, onions, peppers, tomato paste and eggs. It’s satisfying and naturally high in protein. It also comes together quickly, which is why we often make it not only for breakfast but for a quick dinner too. Perfect Savory Breakfast! As a...
Turkish Leeks Recipe (Zeytinyağlı Pırasa)
Turkish Leeks in Olive Oil, Zeytinyağlı Pırasa, is one of the most common home-style dishes in Turkish cuisine. Leeks and carrots are gently braised in olive oil with a little rice and fresh citrus juice. A simple and humble Turkish dish, yet surprisingly flavorful. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat...
Turkish Rice Pilaf
This Turkish Rice Pilaf is the most basic version of Turkish pilaf, the one you’ll see next to almost every main dish in restaurants in Turkey. It’s fluffy and so flavorful that you might even end up eating it as a main dish, paired with yogurt or a simple salad — just like we sometimes...
Turkish Moussaka (Musakka)
Turkish moussaka, or musakka, is one of those meals you’ll find in almost every Turkish home. Roasted eggplants and a rich ground beef sauce bake together in the oven until everything is tender and perfectly combined. It’s a hearty, comforting dish you’ll want to make again and again. A True Classic of Turkish Home Cooking...
Yumurta Kapama (Turkish Boiled Eggs with Spiced Butter)
How do you eat your boiled eggs? Just plain with salt? When we want something more exciting, we make Yumurta Kapama. It’s a simple Turkish dish where hard-boiled eggs are cooked in butter with paprika, pul biber and dried mint. Once everything comes together, those plain eggs turn into a real Turkish breakfast treat. What Is...
Turkish Egg Salad (Yumurta Salatasi)
Boiled eggs are simple, but this Turkish Egg Salad (Yumurta Salatasi) takes them to another level. We love how the eggs mix with spices and lots of fresh herbs. A drizzle of olive oil and a little lemon juice make it even more flavorful. It’s perfect for breakfast and brunch, but you can also enjoy...
Hünkar Beğendi
Hünkar Beğendi is a special dish with roots in the Ottoman palace kitchen. It brings together slow-cooked lamb stew and a smooth, creamy eggplant purée. Rich and full of flavour. It’s the perfect choice if you’re in the mood to cook something truly Turkish and a little special. For us, Hünkar Beğendi is not an everyday meal,...
Pancar Salatasi (Turkish Beetroot Salad)
You know those dishes where the first bite makes you stop for a second and think, wow? Turkish beetroot salad (Pancar Salatasi) is exactly that. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. It’s the kind of salad that ends up being everyone’s favorite. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge for days....
Kuzu Tandir (Turkish Roasted Lamb)
Kuzu Tandir (Turkish Roasted Lamb) is one of those dishes that instantly feels special. Simple ingredients, little effort, a long time in the oven, and a result that melts in your mouth. You can make it for a weekend family meal, but it really shines when you’re hosting guests or planning a festive dinner. What is...
Havuc Tarator (Turkish Carrot Dip)
Havuc Tarator is one of those classic Turkish mezes. This creamy dip is made with sautéed grated carrots, walnuts, dill, yogurt, and garlic. It’s slightly sweet, a little tangy, and so tasty. If you need a simple side everyone loves, make this Turkish carrot dip! Simple yet so Addictive! Havuc Tarator is one of those...
Fried Sardines
If you’ve got fresh sardines, this is the perfect way to cook them. Fried sardines are one of the classic fish dishes in Turkey. They turn perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender and so flavorful on the inside. The result tastes like something straight from a seaside kitchen. Saw Fresh Sardines? Grab Them!...
Fig Jam Recipe with Fresh Figs
If you have fresh figs on hand, this homemade fig jam recipe is the easiest way to preserve them. You will need just 4 ingredients: figs, sugar, lemon juice, and a little water. So simple and so delicious! Figs (incir in Turkish) are one of our favorite fruits, especially Zerrin’s. Maybe it’s because they remind...
Patates Kavurma (Turkish Potatoes with Onion and Spices)
Love simple meals? Make Patates Kavurma, Turkish potatoes with onion and spices! Boiled potatoes come together with onion and spices in a pan and turn into something really tasty. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients, and if you have potatoes at home, you can try it right away. A Humble Dish from...
Barbunya Pilaki
Barbunya pilaki is a classic dish from Turkish cuisine. It has the best combination of borlotti beans with olive oil, tomato, carrot, and potato flavors. Both kids and adults love it. If you want a light yet tasty and satisfying dish, this recipe is for you! What is Barbunya Pilaki? Barbunya pilaki (Turkish style borlotti...
Turkish Liver Kebabs (Ciğer Şiş)
Have you ever tried liver on the grill? If not, try our Turkish Liver Kebabs, ciğer şiş! They are made with lamb liver seasoned with salt, cumin and pul biber. Just a few minutes over hot charcoal and you will have smoky, juicy liver kebabs that taste just like they do in Turkey. Liver kebab...
Turkish Rice Salad
Need something light, tasty, and satisfying? This Turkish Rice Salad is full of fresh herbs and crunchy veggies. The perfect lunch for warm days! It is always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, picnics, or barbecues too. Fresh, colorful, tasty and super easy to make. We usually make a big batch of this salad, so we can enjoy the...
Turkish Chicken Marinade
We’ve been making this Turkish Chicken Marinade for years, and it never fails. It’s super simple, made with pantry staples, and gives you juicy, flavorful chicken every single time. Tender and Juicy Chicken Every Time! If you ever tried Turkish Chicken Kebabs, you know how tasty and juicy they are. It is thanks to this simple Turkish chicken...
Chicken Rice Pilaf (Turkish)
Chicken Rice Pilaf, known as Tavuklu Pilav in Turkish, is a popular street food in Turkey. It’s a comforting dish made of fluffy rice cooked in homemade chicken broth and topped with shredded chicken. If you've been to Istanbul, you've probably seen vendors selling Nohutlu Tavuklu Pilav (Rice Pilaf with Chicken and Chickpeas) while walking...
Turkish Pasta
If you haven’t tried the viral Turkish Pasta Recipe yet, now is the perfect time! This pasta with three sauces became famous thanks to TikTok influencer Anna Paul, but it has long been a staple for us as a Turkish couple. It’s super easy to make. Savory meat sauce, garlicky yogurt, and spiced butter take...
Calamari Sauce (Kalamar Sosu)
Love fried calamari? Meet Turkish Calamari Sauce (Kalamar Sosu)! This is the sauce always served with it in Turkey. It’s rich, tangy, and slightly nutty, and it takes crispy fried calamari to the next level. It also pairs wonderfully with all kinds of fish. Have you ever been to Turkey’s beautiful coasts for a summer...
Mevsim Salatasi (Turkish Lettuce Salad)
Mevsim Salatasi (Turkish Lettuce Salad) is a quick and refreshing mix of crisp lettuce, purple cabbage, parsley, and carrot, tossed in a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a colorful addition to any meal! A Staple Salad in Turkish Cuisine Mevsim Salatasi, often referred to as Turkish lettuce salad or season...
Tavuk Sote - Turkish Chicken Sauté
Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Try Tavuk Sote! This easy Turkish chicken sauté is full of flavor and very filling. It’s made in one pan with chicken, peppers, and a rich tomato sauce. Serve it with rice, bulgur, pasta, or bread for a meal everyone will love! What is Tavuk Sote? In Turkish cuisine,...
Tavuk Corbasi - Turkish Chicken Soup
What’s your ultimate cold-weather soup? One of ours is Tavuk Çorbası, Turkish Chicken Soup. Made with simple homemade chicken stock, orzo, and a spiced tomato base, this Turkish soup is perfect for a cozy dinner on its own. What Makes This Chicken Soup Turkish? This isn’t just any chicken soup—it’s packed with flavors that make it...
Turkish Chicken Breasts (Pan-Fried)
Looking for a quick, flavor-packed dinner? This pan-fried Turkish chicken breasts recipe is the answer! With aromatic Turkish spices and juicy, tender chicken, it’s an easy meal that comes together in no time. Perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without the fuss! Soft and Juicy Pan-Fried Chicken Breasts – No Marinating...
Turkish Spice Blend Recipe
Ever wondered why Turkish dishes taste so amazing? It's all about fresh ingredients and the simple spices! With our homemade Turkish spice blend, you can turn your dishes into something special. Let's bring Turkish flavors to your kitchen! What is a Turkish Spice Blend? Before we go any further, we should mention something important: there...
What is Sumac?
Sumac is a game-changing spice that adds a tangy, lemony kick to your food. Popular in Turkish and Middle Eastern cooking, it adds a beautiful color and a unique taste. You'll find yourself wanting to sprinkle it on almost any dish. When it comes to sumac, Zerrin has lovely memories of her grandmother using it...
Russian Salad - Rus Salatasi
Rus Salatası is the Turkish twist on the classic Russian Salad. This light and vegetarian meze combines a creamy mayo and yogurt dressing with potatoes, carrots, peas and pickles. The perfect side dish to enjoy with any main dish! What is Russian Salad? Russian Salad, also known as Olivier Salad, originated in the 1860s at...
Tarhana Soup Recipe
Ever heard of Tarhana Soup or Tarhana Çorbası as we say in Turkish? A heartwarming, traditional Turkish dish that's been around for ages. It combines tangy, savory, and slightly fermented tastes. This is what makes the soup unique. If you are a soup lover, you have to give it a try! In our kitchen, there's always a special stock of...
Ezo Gelin Soup (Turkish Lentil and Bulgur Soup)
Ezogelin Soup, aka Ezo the bride soup, is a classic Turkish soup made with red lentils, bulgur, rice and spices. It's a simple, hearty dish that's both comforting and flavorful, perfect for any meal. On cold days, there's nothing better than a hot bowl of soup to warm us up. That's where tangy and spicy...
What is Celeriac?
Ever wondered about that knobby, odd-looking root in the grocery store? That's celeriac, also known as celery root. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it might just become your new kitchen favorite. Let's learn what celeriac is, how to pick it out, how to eat it and lots more today! We've always loved celeriac in our kitchen, especially during...
What are Jerusalem Artichokes?
Ever heard of Jerusalem artichokes? These quirky edible tubers, also known as 'sunchokes', aren't your typical artichokes. No, they are not from Jerusalem, either. They're nutty, sweet, and super versatile in cooking. Let's learn more about these underground gems! Jerusalem artichokes are actually a type of tuber, kind of like potatoes, but with a twist....
Jerusalem Artichoke Soup
Jerusalem Artichoke Soup is the best way to discover this unique root vegetable, also known as sunchokes. Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. It's a nutty, comforting, and hearty soup with a velvety touch. Perfect to warm up on cold days! We love this sunchoke soup recipe as much as our celeriac...
Turkish Tomato Rice Soup
Warm up with our quick and easy Turkish Tomato Rice Soup! It is made with simple ingredients like onions, garlic, tomato paste, tomatoes, and rice. Top it off with fresh basil for a delicious, cozy meal. Perfect for any day! On busy days, this simple Turkish style tomato soup with rice (domatesli pirinc corbasi) is our...