Lots of olive oil based fresh vegetable dishes from the Mediterranean. Many tasty vegetarian & vegan dishes. Some of the Turkish mezes (appetizers) make great side dishes.

February 24, 2024

CRISPY TURKISH CHEESE ROLLS – SİGARA BÖREĞİ

Here comes a delicious appetizer that is surely one of the favorites for Turkish mezze platters. Phyllo dough sheets with cheese filling are rolled like a […]
February 10, 2024

Sprouted Beans with Peppers

Turkish cuisine is rich with tasty vegan recipes. Most vegetable dish recipes start with “sauté onions in olive oil”. After that, you simply cook vegetables or […]
November 25, 2023

SAVORY COOKIES WITH CHEESE – PEYNİRLİ KURABİYE

Some of us favor savory treats to sweets. I’m definitely one of those people. This savory cookie is late Ozcan Hanim teyze’s special family recipe. It’s […]
September 22, 2023

Cauliflower Casserole-Fırında Karnabahar

The word “karnabahar” in Turkish literally means “spring blossoms for stomach”. I searched the dictionary further, it might also mean “flowering cabbage”. Either way it is […]
October 30, 2014

Eggplants, Peppers & Tomatoes in Olive Oil – Kırlı Kızartması

Eggplants, Peppers & Tomatoes in Olive Oil Literally meaning “peasant fries”, Kirli Kizartmasi is a local dish from Aydin province in the Aegean region of Turkey. […]
November 26, 2012

Bar Pilaf with Shrimps – Karidesli Meyhane Pilavı

Bar Pilaf with Shrimps – Karidesli Meyhane Pilavı Meyhane is a cross between a restaurant and a pub. “mey” means “wine” and “hane” means “house”, however, […]
October 19, 2012

Spinach and Mushrooms in Olive Oil – Zeytinyağlı Mantarlı Ispanak

Spinach and Mushrooms in Olive Oil – Zeytinyağlı Mantarlı Ispanak Ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil 1 small or 1/2 medium onion, sliced 1 lb baby spinach […]
October 14, 2012

Uzbek Pilaf with Chicken – Tavuklu Özbek Pilavı

Uzbek Pilaf with Chicken – Tavuklu Özbek Pilavı Uzbek Pilaf is traditionally prepared with lamb browned in butter or lamb fat. I’ve modified the recipe by […]
October 5, 2012

Eggplants Stuffed with Tomatoes, Onions and Garlic in Olive Oil – Imam Bayıldı

Eggplants Stuffed with Onions and Garlic in Olive Oil – Imam Bayıldı The name of this famous dish  “Imam Bayıldı“ means “Priest Fainted”, supposedly with pleasure […]
June 4, 2012

Carrot Salad with Garlic Yogurt – Yoğurtlu Havuç Ezmesi

Carrot Salad with Garlic Yogurt “Raki” is an anise based drink that is unofficially considered to be the national drink of Turkey. Raki is not just […]
May 20, 2012

Swiss Chard Rolls with Bulgur Stuffing – Bulgurlu Pazi Dolmasi

Swiss Chard Rolls with Bulgur Stuffing Ingredients: 2 bunches of Swiss Chards (about 12 leaves) 3 cups boiling water 1 ½ cup No1(fine) or No 2 […]
June 11, 2011

BOREK: Savory Cheese Pastry Squares

Savory Pastry Squares: BOREK This is a recipe from my dear late father-in-law, Vakif Ari who had many “signature dishes” from borek to omlettes, salads, and […]