68 delicious turkey recipes from around the world
Experience the iconic Berlin-style Döner Kebab, a beloved Turkish-German fusion that has become Germany's most popular fast food. This recipe focuses on assembling a delicious döner at home, even without a vertical spit.
A classic Turkish dish of eggplants stuffed with a savory mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic, then slow-braised in abundant olive oil until meltingly tender. The name, 'The Imam Fainted,' is said to refer to the dish's rich flavor, the amount of olive oil used, or perhaps its perceived expense.
A modern Turkish classic, this Beyti Kebab features flavorful Adana-style ground lamb, seasoned and grilled, then wrapped in soft lavash bread and generously topped with a rich tomato-butter sauce and cooling garlic yogurt. It's an indulgent and satisfying dish.
A classic Turkish rice pilaf, known as 'pilav', is a buttery, fragrant rice dish cooked to fluffy perfection. It's a staple accompaniment to many Turkish meals, prized for its delicate texture and rich flavor. This recipe focuses on achieving separate, tender grains of rice.
Traditional Turkish dumplings, known as Mantı, are small, delicate parcels of seasoned ground meat encased in a thin pasta dough. They are typically served generously topped with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and finished with a fragrant, sizzling chili-infused butter.
Authentic Lokum, a classic Turkish delight made with fragrant rose water and crunchy pistachios, dusted with powdered sugar. A delightful chewy confection perfect for sharing or gifting.
An opulent Ottoman palace dish featuring tender, slow-cooked lamb stew served atop a luxuriously creamy and smoky eggplant purée. This 'Sultan's Delight' is a true taste of history.
A classic Gaziantep dish featuring a smoky, mashed eggplant and garlic yogurt base topped with succulent, spiced ground lamb and finished with a fragrant paprika-infused butter. This Southern Turkish specialty is a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Beyti Kebap is a classic Turkish dish featuring spiced ground meat, traditionally lamb or beef, wrapped in thin lavash bread and served with a rich garlic yogurt sauce and a warm tomato-butter sauce. It's a hearty and flavorful meal often found in Turkish restaurants.
A refreshing and flavorful Turkish white bean salad, a specialty from Antalya. This dish features tender white beans tossed with a creamy tahini-lemon dressing, thinly sliced red onion, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of tangy sumac. Hard-boiled eggs add richness. Best served at room temperature.
A classic Turkish street food, this Dürüm Döner features thinly shaved, flavorful döner meat, fresh vegetables, and optional sauces, all wrapped tightly in a soft lavash bread. It's a quick, satisfying, and delicious meal.
A classic Turkish comfort food, Et Sote features tender cubes of beef sautéed with vibrant bell peppers and juicy tomatoes in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce. This dish is known for its simplicity and deeply satisfying flavors.
Kumpir is a popular Turkish street food featuring a giant baked potato, mashed with butter and cheese, and loaded with a variety of delicious toppings. It's a hearty and customizable meal, perfect for any time of day.
Ezme is a vibrant and refreshing Turkish meze, or appetizer, featuring finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, onions, and fresh herbs, all brought together with a zesty dressing. It's known for its bright flavors and a pleasant kick of spice, making it an essential accompaniment to grilled meats, kebabs, or simply enjoyed with warm flatbread.
A classic Turkish dish from Bursa, featuring thinly sliced döner kebab layered over pieces of pide bread, generously topped with a rich tomato sauce, a dollop of cool yogurt, and finished with a sizzling, paprika-infused butter sauce. It's a hearty and flavorful experience.
A velvety smooth and comforting Turkish red lentil soup, infused with the bright flavors of mint and lemon. This is an everyday staple, perfect for a light meal or starter.
İçli köfte, meaning 'stuffed meatballs' in Turkish, are exquisite torpedo-shaped dumplings made from a delicate bulgur and semolina dough, generously filled with a savory mixture of spiced ground meat, onions, and walnuts. Often considered a culinary art form, especially in the Gaziantep region, these are a labor of love that rewards with incredible flavor and texture.
Lokma are delightful, bite-sized Turkish fried dough balls, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, generously soaked in a sweet lemon-infused syrup. A beloved street food and dessert.
A classic Gaziantep dish featuring tender, sautéed lamb cubes served atop a smoky, creamy purée of roasted eggplant mixed with yogurt and garlic. A rich and satisfying experience.
Su Böreği is a classic Turkish layered pastry made with boiled yufka (thin dough sheets) filled with cheese and herbs, then baked until golden and crisp. Its unique texture, achieved by boiling the dough, makes it a beloved dish, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a savory snack.
A classic Turkish street food, Midye Dolma are mussels stuffed with a fragrant, spiced rice pilaf. They are typically served chilled with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
A comforting and tangy Turkish yogurt soup, enriched with rice and fragrant dried mint. 'Yayla' translates to 'highland,' evoking a sense of rustic, nourishing tradition.
A quick and flavorful Turkish chicken sauté featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with vibrant bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic onions and garlic. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ezogelin Çorbası, often called 'Bride's Soup,' is a comforting and flavorful Turkish red lentil soup. It features a delightful blend of red lentils, bulgur, and rice, seasoned with mint and a hint of spice. This soup is named after Ezo, a bride whose exquisite soup recipe became legendary.