turkish Recipes
167 delicious turkish recipes from around the world
Mantı
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.
Menemen
Menemen is a classic Turkish breakfast dish featuring eggs gently scrambled with sautéed tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It's a flavorful and satisfying way to start the day, often enjoyed with crusty bread.
Mercimek Çorbası (Turkish Red Lentil Soup)
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.
Mercimek Köftesi (Turkish Red Lentil and Bulgur Patties)
Mercimek Köftesi are delicious, savory patties made from red lentils and fine bulgur, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Traditionally served as a vegan mezze or appetizer, they are flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.
Midye Dolma (Turkish Stuffed Mussels)
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.
Patlıcan Musakka (Turkish Eggplant Moussaka)
A hearty and flavorful Turkish Moussaka, featuring layers of pan-fried eggplant, a spiced ground meat and tomato filling, and baked until tender. Unlike Greek moussaka, this version omits the béchamel sauce, allowing the rich flavors of the eggplant and meat to shine.
Patlıcanlı Musakka (Turkish Cold Moussaka)
A refreshing Turkish take on moussaka, this dish features layers of tender fried eggplant and a savory tomato-meat sauce, served chilled. Unlike its Greek counterpart, this version is lighter and omits béchamel sauce.
Patlıcanlı Pilav (Turkish Eggplant Pilaf)
A flavorful and satisfying Turkish rice pilaf studded with cubes of tender, fried eggplant. This dish is a classic summer side, perfect for complementing grilled meats or as a light main course.
Pide (Turkish Pizza Boat)
A delicious boat-shaped Turkish flatbread, often called 'Turkish pizza,' generously topped with savory ingredients and baked to golden perfection. This recipe features a classic ground lamb filling.
Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad)
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.
Şekerpare
Delicate Turkish semolina cookies, topped with an almond and generously soaked in a sweet lemon-infused syrup. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to a meal.
Sigara Böreği (Cigar Börek)
Crispy, golden-brown rolls made from layers of delicate phyllo dough, filled with a savory mixture of crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, then fried to perfection. These 'cigar' shaped böreks are a beloved staple for breakfast, as a meze (appetizer), or a snack.
Simit
A classic Turkish sesame bread ring, known for its crunchy, sesame-seed-coated exterior and soft, chewy interior. It's a beloved breakfast staple, especially in Istanbul.
Su Böreği (Turkish Water Börek)
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.
Tas Kebap (Turkish Lamb Stew)
A comforting and rustic Turkish lamb stew, slow-braised with tomatoes, peppers, and onions until incredibly tender. Perfect for a hearty everyday meal.
Tavuk Göğsü (Turkish Chicken Breast Pudding)
A surprisingly delicious and creamy Ottoman dessert made from milk, sugar, and finely shredded chicken breast. The subtle savory notes from the chicken are masked by the sweetness and creamy texture, creating a unique and delightful pudding.
Tavuk Sote (Turkish Chicken Sauté)
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.
Tel Kadayıf
Tel Kadayıf is a classic Turkish dessert made from fine, shredded wheat dough (kadaif) layered with rich clotted cream (kaymak) and baked until golden and crispy, then drenched in a sweet sugar syrup and garnished with pistachios. It's a luxurious dessert often associated with special occasions and palace cuisine.
Tulumba (Turkish Syrup Fingers)
Tulumba are delightful, crispy fried dough pastries shaped into ridged fingers and then generously soaked in a sweet, fragrant syrup. Traditionally enjoyed during festivals and celebrations, these treats offer a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors.
Türk Pilavı (Turkish Rice Pilaf)
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.
Urfa Kebap
Urfa Kebab is a mild, yet flavorful lamb kebab originating from the southeastern region of Turkey, characterized by the smoky and slightly sweet notes of Urfa pepper. Unlike its spicier counterpart, Adana Kebab, Urfa Kebab offers a gentler heat profile, making it a popular choice for a wider audience.
Yaprak Sarma (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Delicate grape leaves meticulously rolled around a fragrant rice and herb filling, then gently simmered. A quintessential cold mezze, perfect for sharing.
Yayla Çorbası (Turkish Yogurt Soup)
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.