9 Turkish cuisine, must try

Turkish cuisine is known for its rich flavors and use of fresh ingredients. Here are some of the most popular Turkish dishes:

1. Kebabs – There are several types of kebabs in Turkish cuisine, including Adana kebab, shish kebab, and doner kebab.
2. Meze – Small dishes that are typically served as appetizers, such as stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and baba ghanoush.
3. Pide – A type of Turkish flatbread that is usually topped with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
4. Lahmacun – A type of Turkish pizza that is topped with minced meat, onions, and tomatoes.
5. Manti – Tiny dumplings that are filled with spiced ground meat and served with a yogurt sauce.
6. Dolma – Vegetables such as peppers, eggplants, and zucchini that are stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.
7. Baklava – A sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
8. Turkish delight – A sweet candy made of gelatin, sugar, and flavorings such as rosewater or pistachios.
9. Turkish coffee – A strong and rich coffee that is brewed in a special pot called a cezve and served in small cups.

Kebab

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated chicken, onion, and bell peppers onto skewers, alternating between the chicken and vegetables.
5. Grill the kebabs for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred, turning occasionally.
6. Serve the kebabs hot with a side of rice or pita bread.

“Haydari” or Meze

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Pita bread or crackers, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, feta cheese, garlic, dill, mint, parsley, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the mixture and use a spoon to swirl it in.
3. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with additional herbs, if desired.
4. Serve the Haydari with pita bread or crackers for dipping.

Pide

Ingredients: For the dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup warm water

For the filling:

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 lb feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the olive oil and warm water, and mix until the dough comes together.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour.
3. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion in olive oil until softened.
4. Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook the mixture until the beef is browned and cooked through.
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll out each piece into an oval shape on a floured surface.
7. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over each oval-shaped dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the top of the ground beef mixture.
9. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a boat-like shape. Pinch the edges together to seal.
10. Place the Pide on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
11. Serve the Pide hot, with a side salad or yogurt dip.