Mar 10, 2023 | Stuffed grape vine leaves, a.k.a. (Zeytinyagli - cooked in olive oil / Vegan version) Yaprak Sarma is a classic dish known throughout Turkey, but especially popular on the Aegean coast and this version is the vegan version without meat in the stuffing and cooked in olive oil.
This flavorful dish features juicy grape leaves stuffed with a mouth-watering mixture of rice, fresh herbs, and spices, all simmered in a rich olive oil sauce.
As a note and clarification, in Turkish sarma refers to dishes with rolled or wrapped vegetables, whereas dolma refers to stuffed vegetables.
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May 6, 2021 | “Today, I'm making my favorite bulgur pilaf, which is very rich in flavors, with fragrant spices and is simply delicious. Turkish bulgur pilaf is an extremely filling, satisfying and quite healthy dish that is easy to make and is a really nice alternative to rice. Bulgur is very nutritious, and one of the many benefits of consuming bulgur pilaf is the rich amount of fiber that the whole wheat contains.
Hope you enjoy the video and the recipe!”
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Dec 9, 2022 | Muhammara (also spelt Mouhammara) is a delicious roasted pepper dip which originated in Aleppo, Syria. This walnut and roasted red pepper mezze is very popular throughout the Mediterranean, including Turkey, especially in south-eastern regions, where Arab dishes are more common in the local cuisine because of the Syrian cultural influence.
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July 28, 2021 | Did you know that it takes only two simple ingredients to make your own homemade tahini? Also imagine a homemade hummus made with your own tahini with no additives and as fresh as it can get!
Tahini or tahina is a Middle Eastern condiment made from sesame. It can be served by itself as a dip or as a major ingredient in various dishes and mezze such as hummus, baba ghanoush and halva. It's also perfect to combine with grape molasses which is a staple in a traditional Turkish breakfast.
Hummus, also a very popular dip or mezze throughout the world, is widely available in supermarkets. However, homemade hummus without any additives is always my favourite. I never buy hummus anymore since it's so easy to make; it takes only minutes. Even better and even more satisfying is if you make it with a homemade tahini!
Let's see how you can make tahini and hummus at home, the best you have ever had!
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June 23, 2021 | Turkish chicken kebabs / skewers or a.k.a tavuk şiş in Turkey. It is said that the method of cooking meat on skewers over open fire originated on the steppes of Central Asia where the Turkic people originate. This basic concept was refined over time and was brought to the world with the westward migration of Turkic people.
There are different versions of chicken skewers / kebabs and this one is with a marinade made with Turkish yogurt, onion juice, garlic and spices that turns the chicken thighs into succulent, flavorful kebabs. Serve with bulgur or breads like lavash and find out how amazing this chicken kebab is.
Click here for the full recipe. Then click on ‘more’.
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April 22, 2921 | Circassian chicken or in Turkish "Çerkez Tavuğu" is a classic Circassian dish, adopted by the Ottoman - Turkish cuisine. The Circassians were tribal folk historically inhabiting the land separating the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Circassian chicken made its way into Turkish cuisine during the Ottoman period when the Ottoman Empire controlled much of this region.
Poached and shredded chicken served with a creamy and spicy walnut sauce, it was typically served as a main course, but it became also popular as an appetizer or meze served for feasts. It can be also a great alternative to chicken salad and delicious filling for the sandwiches.
Click here for the recipe, and then click on ‘more’.
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Aug 12, 2022 | Barbunya means borlotti or cranberry beans in Turkish and pilaki is one of the olive oil based cooking techniques in Turkey, referring to cooking in a sauce made with onions, garlic, carrot, tomatoes, sugar, and olive oil. This technique is also common in Greece (plaki) and Bulgaria (plakiya).
Best version of this dish is made when the beans are fresh, but also quite delicious with dried beans. Alternatively, this dish can be made with romano or pinto beans if you are not able find borlotti beans. Like most of the olive oil dishes in Turkey, barbunya pilaki is usually served cold as a side or mezze and is one of the classic and favourite summer mezzes in Turkey.
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Jun 7, 2024 | Dana Kavurma is one of the quintessential Turkish dishes, particularly cherished during Kurban Bayrami (Eid al-Adha).
This dish can be best described as braised beef or even confit, as the beef is slowly cooked in its own fat and juices. This age-old and traditional cooking method not only enhances the flavor but also serves as a means to preserve the meat throughout the winter. Alongside its counterpart, lamb kavurma, it remains a beloved classic for every Turkish household.
One of the best accompaniments for Dana Kavurma is the rice pilaf.
Today, we are preparing a simple yet aromatic browned butter rice pilaf, which pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the beef. Additionally, a Shepherd's salad—true to its name—is a basic yet refreshing salad made with chopped vegetables and a hint of acidity, providing a delightful balance to the hearty dish.
For a complete experience, serve Dana Kavurma with some yogurt or ayran (a traditional Turkish yogurt drink). This combination will surely become a favorite on your menu!
"Dana" means beef or calf, while "kavurma" refers to a cooking technique that typically involves frying. However, in the case of this dish, "kavurma" denotes a method more akin to braising, where the meat is cooked slowly in its own juices, resulting in tender and flavorful bites.
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Aug 24, 2024 | This is one my favourite foods from my childhood and an heirloom recipe from my mother. This perfect combination of lamb and aubergines will be your new addiction!
Click here for the full recipe, then cluck on ‘more’.
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Jun 9, 2021 | Doner [also döner] is a worldwide known Turkish delicacy and is usually cooked on special vertical rotisseries designed for doner kebab. It's also quite easy to make doner at home, even better than the ones you can find in European or American kebab shops. In this video, I'll show you how to make an amazingly flavorful doner at home with a mix of lamb and beef, which will definitely impress you and your friends. Get ready for the best homemade doner kebab recipe!
Information about the lamb fat: Lamb fat is traditionally used in kebabs and doners for its unique taste and is a signature ingredient in Turkish meat dishes. In Turkey, traditionally "fail fat" from the lamb is used, however this part of the lamb is usually not available in Europe or U.S. Instead, you can also ask your butcher for lamb fat trimmed from the belly or ribs of the lamb. This will also add a very similar flavor to your kebabs and doner.
Click here for the full recipe, then click on ‘more’.
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Mar 29, 2024 | Originating from Hatay, this flaky pastry is filled with a flavorful mixture of savory meat seasoned with spices and pomegranate molasses . In this video, I will try to guide you through each step, hopefully helping you to recreate this mouthwatering delicacy in your own kitchen. Discover this unique flavor of Hatay as we are making an authentic "Kaytaz Böreği".
Jun 24, 2022 | Kasap kofta / kofte (Butcher's Meatball) is a very common type of kofta / meatballs in Turkey and there is no set recipe as it is mostly prepared by local butchers and everyone follows their own recipe.
This one is my favorite with its texture, balanced spices and has a juicy and meaty bite. I make these almost every week or keep them in my freezer as we often crave for these little flavor bombs.
Mar 3, 2023 | This comforting soup is perfect for a cold winter evening. The combination of celeriac, yogurt and a touch of spices creates a unique and satisfying flavor.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be made in under an hour. Serve it with some crusty bread and enjoy a comforting bowl of soup.
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Feb 14, 2025 | Yahni dishes vary from region to region in Turkiye and even from family to family, with each recipe having its own unique twist. Whether made with beef, lamb, or even chicken, Turkish-style stews often feature vegetables like onions and carrots, along with rich tomato and pepper pastes to build deep flavors. The word "yahni" is derived from the Persian word "yakhni" [broth or stock].
This particular recipe uses tender chunks of beef, onions and carrots, all simmered slowly with aromatic spices like cumin and pul biber (Aleppo pepper) for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Click here for the full recipe, then click on ‘more’.
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Apr 7, 2023 | Gaziantep Kasik Salatasi, the Spoon Salad, is a super flavorful salad originating in Gaziantep, Turkey. This popular Turkish salad is known for its fresh and vibrant flavors and is one of the best side dishes served with kebabs. The flavors come from the sauce which is made with 10 different spices. The sauce is so delicious, it has to be eaten with a spoon, hence the name.
Isot pepper, also known as Urfa biber, (Hungry Man’s affiliate link) is a unique type of dried chili with smoky flavors and dark maroon colors due to the specific "sweating" process used for drying the chilies. As the name suggests, it's associated with the city Urfa and is the main ingredient for local recipes in the region, such as "Cig Kofte".
Please click here for the full recipe, then click on ‘more’.
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Apr 14, 2023 | Almost every country has a version of meatloaf and although not the most famous dish in Turkish cuisine, the Turkish-style meatloaf “Dalyan Kofte” deserves a mention as it is an important part of the traditional restaurant culture. Rumor has it that the famous Ottoman explorer, Evliya Celebi, mentioned this dish as “Talyan Kofte” (after seeing the Italian meatloaf / polpettone during his travels), supposedly referring to Italian by the word “Talyan” which in time was changed to “Dalyan Kofte”. Nevertheless it’s a wholesame savory dish in Turkey and usually served with potato puree and pilafs.
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Nov 22, 2024 | Patlıcan Oturtma is a traditional Turkish dish often served at "esnaf lokanta" restaurants, known for offering comforting, home-style meals. This recipe is similar to Moussaka or Karnıyarık, but it has a unique twist: instead of being stuffed, the spicy ground meat mixture is layered on top of individual slices of tender, roasted eggplant, hence the name "Oturtma" (Placed).
This eggplant and meat dish is a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors, making it a beloved staple of Turkish cuisine. It’s typically paired with rice pilaf and cacık (a refreshing yogurt-cucumber dip) or simply served with a side of plain yogurt. Whether you’re familiar with Turkish food or exploring it for the first time, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with authentic flavors!
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Mar 14, 2025 | Duvaklı Pilav, is a traditional and festive rice pilaf originating from Diyarbakır in southeastern Turkiye, is a cherished dish that beautifully combines the rich flavors of tender minced lamb, roasted almonds, and aromatic spices over a bed of buttery rice.
Its name, "Duvaklı," meaning "veiled," refers to the generous topping of spiced meat and nuts that "veil" the rice and according to some stories, it's served during the (un)-veiling ceremony for the bride, hence the name.
This pilaf holds a special place in Diyarbakır's culinary tradition, often reserved for significant occasions such as weddings, religious celebrations, and special gatherings.
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Mar 21, 2025 | Havuç Tarator, a traditional Turkish carrot and garlic yogurt mezze, prepared in just 15 minutes! This quick, creamy, and healthy appetizer blends sautéed carrots, garlic yogurt, walnuts, with a hint of chili oil—perfect for any meal or gathering.
Hungry Man Kitchen can be supported on Patreon here.
