Tasting Turkish Culture

Hi Everyone! Happy Eid Al- Adha to all of you. I have prepared these delicious food for my guests. I will update the recipes. Stay in tune!

Ingredients 2-3 medium potatoes boiled and shredded 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp red pepper 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp dried mint 2 tbsp oil salt to taste 5 cups hot water Directions; 1-In a pot add oil and onion, saute them over medium heat. Then add tomato paste, salt, spices, and shredded potatoes. 2-Stir gently to mix thoroughly. Then pour the 5 cups hot water and boil for 5 more minutes over medium heat. Serve soup hot or warm. Afiyet Olsun!

Ingredients 1 chicken thigh 1/2 cup orzo 1 egg 1 lemon 2 tbsp white flour 6 cups water 1 tbsp vegetable or corn oil 1 tsp red pepper salt to taste minced garlic ( optional ) Directions; 1- In a big pot, add 6 cups water and chicken and boil until chicken is thoroughly cooked. 2- In a separate pot, strain  the chicken broth with a strainer. Then cut the chicken into very small pieces.Add into the pot. Then and orzo. Cook  over medium heat until orzo gets soft. 3- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg, flour, and the juice of one lemon. 4- Then slowly pour this mixture into the pot. Boil for 5 more minutes over medium heat. 5-In a sauce pan, add oil and red pepper. Saute for one minute and then add to soup. If the soup is too thick and hot boiled water as needed. Also, if you add garlic.The soup tastes same as tripe soup... Serve it hot. Afiyet Olsun!

Ingredients 1 stick softened butter 2 egg whites ( save yolks for brushing on top ) 1/4 cup corn or vegetable oil 1/2 plain yogurt 1 tbsp salt 1 tbsp baking powder Flour as needed ( approx. 5 cups) (dough should be soft and not sticky ) 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 1 bunch of dill, finely diced For top; Black sesame seeds 2 egg yolks Directions; 1- In a mixing bowl, add the soft butter, egg whites, oil, and yogurt mix until smooth. Then add baking powder and flour little by little. Make a soft dough. 2- Then add feta cheese and dill. Knead them. Then give a shape. 3-Brush with the beaten egg yolks. 4-Sprinkle the top with black sesame seeds. Bake at 350 F preheated oven until light brown. Baking time is approx. 20-25 min. Serve it cold. Afiyet Olsun.

Ingredients 1 packet phyllo dough # 10 or Turkish triangle phyllo dough Filling; 2-3 medium eggplant (peeled in strips and finely diced ) 1 medium onion ( finely diced) 1 medium green banana pepper ( finely diced ) 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp red pepper 1 tsp salt 3 tbsp corn or vegetable oil 2 cups of water Sauce; 2 eggs 1-1/2 cup plain yogurt 1/2 cup corn or vegetable oil 1 bottle mineral water ( optional ) Black sesame seeds Directions; 1-Saute the oil and onion in a cooking pot. Then add peppers and eggplant and saute over medium heat. Then tomato paste, spices, salt and water. Cook mixture until water is absorbed. Then let it cool down. 2- In a small bowl beat the egg and add the oil and yogurt. Mix well. 3- Take a piece of the pyhllo dough and pour 1 tbsp sauce and brush the mixture to spread over dough. Then add 2 tbsp eggplant mixture and wrap it gently. Place on oiled tray.Repeat this procedure until the pyhllo dough is finished. If y

We have finished another year's Ramadan and now the three days of  the '' Ramadan Feast '' or '' Sugar Holidays'' ( ''Şeker Bayramı'' in Turkish ) are upon us! After four years of spendıng the Sugar Holidays away from my family, alone in America, it's impossible to describe the feelings of excitement and joy I am now feeling After four years of being absent during special celebration, I will at last get to kiss my parents' hand and give them gifts. ( Kissing the hands of your elders is an important way of showing love and respect in Turkey. ) Both for my parents and for me this is a very emotional celebration and it brings tears to my eyes... Early in the morning on the first day of holidays my father and brothers will go to the mosque to pray. After they return we will have a special breakfast and everyone will kiss my parents' hand and give them gifts. Years ago my siblings and I started the tradition of gi

Two weeks ago we started season of Ramadan (in Turkish "Ramazan "), a month that is very important for Muslims. I was in Florida for the first weeks of Ramadan, but  I am now in Turkey for the remaining time. I am so excited about it! There is something very special about observing in Turkey. the meals before dawn ( sahur ) and the meals after sunset  ( iftar ) are so animated and meaningful. For the "iftar" time is typical to eat in the home of friends, family or to invite them  into your home. Everyone gathers together and waits for the sound of the call to prayer. When the sound of the call to prayer is heard, along with the noise of the " Ramazan topu " ( like a small firecracker ), there is a time of prayer and the fast is broken. Mothers make a wide variety of delicious dishes and everyone enjoys tasting them. I will try to show you some photos and recipes from meal times later. The Meaning and Importance of Ramadan During the course of Ramadan

Ingredients 3 tbsp tarhana 5 cup water 2 tbsp butter 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp chicken or beef broth or 1 cube 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 2 tbsp tomato paste Direction 1- In a pot, add tarhana and 2 cups of water. Wait about 5 minutes for it to get soft. 2- Then add butter, and the remaining 3 cups of water, salt, broth cube, garlic, and tomato paste. 3-Stir over medium heat until the mixture boils. If the mixture is lumpy, add boiled water. Serve it hot or warm. Afiyet Olsun.

Hello everyone! I know I haven't updated my blog for a long time. There have been several changes in my life and it has been a hectic summer. My adventures in America that started in Orlando will now be continuing in Gainesville. Yes, due to changes in my husband's work, two weeks ago we said goodbye to Orlando. I am sorry that int he midst of moving and settling in I've neglected my blog. I'm returning to blogging with a bit time-consuming, but delightful traditional Turkish dish...MANTI :) I hope you'll try it, you won't regret it! Its delicious taste is worth the time and effort you will invest in making it. MANTI Serves four people Ingredients, For the dough, 3 cups flour 1egg 1cup water 1 tsp salt For the filling, 1/2 pound ground beef 1 onion finely diced 1/2 bunch of parsley finely chopped salt, black pepper, and red pepper to taste For the sauces, 1/2 can tomato sauce 1tsp dried mint 1tsp black pepper 4 tbsp corn or vegetable oil

Ingredients For Cake 4 egg 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup flour 1/2 wheat or corn starch 1 tbsp vanilla 1 tbsp lemon zest ( shredded) For Cream 2 tbsp flour 4 tbsp corn or wheat starch 5 tbsp cacao 3 cup milk 1 cup sugar 1 cup melted bitter chocolate For Garnish Pistachio, coconut, or walnut Banana Preparation 1- In a medium pot, mix the milk, flour, starch, cacao, sugar, and chocolate. In a medium heat stir them until it boils. Then turn off the heat. Stir the mixture time to time. 2-In a bowl, beat for 2-3 min. 1/2 cup sugar with egg yolk. In a different bowl, beat 2-3 min other 1/2 cup sugar with egg white.Then in a big bowl, combine them and add flour, zest, vanilla, and starch. 3- Place the parchment paper on the tray (9"11").Pour the batter. 4-Bake it at 350 for about 15-20 min. approx. 5-When cake is baked.Wait for 5 min. Then make a roll carefully.Then open it back, pour the half of  cream on the cake. 6-Then place the banana and roll it carefully  a

Ingredients 4 onion 1 egg( yolk's for top ) 1/2 cup crushed walnut 1/2 cup corn oil 1/2 cup warm water 1 cup warm milk 1tbsp yeast 1 cup shredded mozzarella 1 tbsp salt 2 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp paprika 1 tsp red pepper 6 cups flour For Garnish poppy seed, sesame, or black seed Preparation 1- Diced the onion into the small cube. Then saute them with 1/4 cup oil. 2- In a big bowl, mix the water, oil, salt, sugar, and egg white. Then add flour little by little.( make a soft dough like a earlobe ). 3-Then add sauteed onion, paprika, red pepper, walnut, and mozzarella. Knead all of them with dough.Wait 30 min. to raise it up. 4- Then take a small piece like a golf ball. Round it of well. Then place oiled tray. Brush egg yolk top it. Wait another 30 min. 5- Bake it at  350 F approx. 20-25 min. Serve it warm with tea. Afiyet Olsun.

Ingredients For Cake 4 egg 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup corn oil 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 2tbsp orange zest ( shredded ) 1 tbsp vanilla 1 tbsp baking powder 1/4 cup crushed walnut For Syrup 3,5 cup sugar 2,5 cup water 1 cup fresh orange juice 2 tbsp orange zest ( shredded ) For Garnish orange zest, coconut, or walnut Preparation 1- Beat the sugar and eggs 2-3 min. Add oil, orange juice, vanilla,orange zest, and baking powder. Mix them well.Add flour and beat until smooth. Then add walnut. 2-Pour the batter into you oiled pyrex. Bake at 350 F for about 25-30 min ( approx.) 3- For syrup, in a pot, mix all ingredients and boil 5-6 min. 4- Pour the warm syrup on the cold cake. 5-Wait until all syrup is absorbed. Serve with tea or coffee. Afiyet Olsun.

Ingredients 3 tbsp tomato paste 3 tbsp pepper paste 1 cup crushed feta cheese or Turkish white cheese 1/4 cup crushed walnut 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp red pepper 1/2 tsp mint 1-2 cloves garlic 2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 cup chopped parsley 1/2  bunch fresh basil or 1 tbsp dried Preparation Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Easy to make it but so delicious... Afiyet Olsun...

Ingredients 2 big beets (boiled) 2 cups of diced lettuce 1/2 cup chickpea 1/2 cup whole corn 1/4 cup pickles, small diced 1/2 cup baby carrot, sliced bunch of scallion, diced bunch of parsley, chopped 1 lemon juice 1 tbsp vinegar 2 tbsp olive oil Salt to   taste Preparation 1- Cut the beets into the thin slice.Then add vinegar and wait 10-15 min. 2-Then add other ingredients into the bowl. Mix gently. 3-Garnish with corn. Afiyet Olsun!

Ingredients  1 cup warm milk ( 60 sec.microwave ) 1/2 cup warm water 1/3 cup oil ( corn, vegetable ) 1/2 stick soft butter 6  tbsp sugar 1 tbsp salt 2 tbsp instant yeast 2 eggs white ( yolks for top ) All purpose flour ( approx 4- 1/2  cups ) For top egg yolks sesame seed and black sesame seed( optional ) Direction 1- In a medium mixing bowl, combine milk, water, sugar, oil, soft butter, salt, yeast, and egg yolks. Make it pure mixture. Then add flour and knead that for 10 min. 2-Let is rise for a few hours to get smooth and fluffy dough. 3- Grab 2 pieces at a time dough approx.as big as a golf ball. Give them thin and long shape like a snake by rolling. Twist them together and stick the edges together to make round like ring. Beat egg yolks and brush. 4-Sprinkle sesame on it. 5-Place them in a lightly cookie sheet and bake at 375 F approx. 30 min. Serve with tea.. Afiyet Olsun.

Ingredients 4 large eggs 1cup of semolina 1/2 cup sugar 1-1/2 cup flour 1 cup yogurt 1/2 cup corn oil 1 packet baking powder 1 packet vanilla Syrup 3 cup sugar 2-1/2 cup water 1 tbsp lemon juice Garnish Shredded coconut, chopped walnut or pistachio Direction 1-Mix sugar and eggs thoroughly. Add yogurt and oil to mixture. 2- Combine dry ingredients-semolina, flour, vanilla, and baking powder- and mix together well. 3- Spray a deep Pyrex ( oven-safe) glass dish with oil, and pour int the mixture. Cook at 350 F on middle rack until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Note; Do not open the oven door, or it won't rise properly. Check progress from the window. 4- While the cake is cooking, boil sugar and water for 3-4 minutes in a small pot. Add lemon juice and boil 3 more minutes and then remove from heat. 5- After cake is finished cooking, let it cool. Pour the still- warm syrup over the cake. Before serving, garnish individual slices with coconut, walnut, or pistac

Ingredients 3 boiled eggs 3 tbsp mayo 2 tbsp yogurt 1 tsp red pepper 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp dried mint ( for decorate) 1 tsp salt Direction 1- Smash the eggs. Then mix with mayo, yogurt, salt, and spices. 2-Mix them well. Lay on top of the bread. Afiyet Olsun.

Ingredients 1 lb fresh cranberries 8 cups sugar 1 tsp lemon juice Preparation 1- Wash the cranberries. 2-Place strawberries and sugar in a large covered pot and wait 24 hours. 3-Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it boils. 4-Add lemon juice and cook 5 more minutes. 5- Remove from heat and wait until jam cools. 6-Pour into glass jars and close lid. 7-Keep in refrigerate. Afiyet Olsun.

Ingredients 1/2 lb baby spinach ( washed) 1-1/2 cups carrot( sliced) 1 cup feta cheese ( crumbled ) For dressing 2 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp olive oil salt to taste Preparation 1- In a service bowl, lay the spinach and carrots. 2-Add crumbled feta cheese. 3-Mix all dressing ingredients and pour onto the other mixture. Easy to prepare, healthy, and delicious... Afiyet Olsun.

Ingredients  3 cup flour 1 cup warm milk 2 cup warm water 2 tsp salt 2 tsp dry yeast 1 tsp sugar 3 cup vegetable, corn oil Preparation 1-In a large bowl pour water and milk.  2-Add dry yeast and salt, mix well. 3-Then add flour slowly. Mix and knead the dough. 4-Let the dough rest for 30 minutes. 5- Dived the dough into small pieces and shape them into a ball. Flatten the dough balls into a small plate size or take big piece and make it roll and cut into the square  ( like picture). 6- Fry them in hot oil till they are golden brown. Serve with cheese, jam, tea. Afiyet Olsun.

Ingredients  For Apple, 4-5 medium apple ( peeled) 1 cup of sugar 1 tbsp cinnamon 3 tbsp chopped walnut 6-8 pieces Turkish Pettibour Biskuvi ( Crumbled ) For Pudding 3 cup of milk 1/2 cup of flour 1 cup of sugar 1 package vanilla 2 tbsp butter Preparation 1-  Cook grated apples until water is gone. Turn off the heat and add other ingredients and mix well. 2- In a pot, mix the milk, flour, and sugar. Cook them in a medium heat until it boils. Turn off the heat,  then  add vanilla and butter. Then mix well. 3- Make a small balls with apple mixture and lay 3-4 pieces into the small bowl. 4- Pour the one cup of pudding onto the apple balls. 5- Make same process until ingredients finish. Serve it cold. Afiyet Olsun

  Last Friday, Elif invited us for the lunch at Anatolia Restaurant. We enjoyed with the delicious Turkish kabab, lahmacun and salads but the most exciting part was being together. Thank you again Elif :) I have taken pictures for you... Lahmacun Lavas Types of Salads  Kebab  Beyti

Ingredients 1 large seedless cucumber 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or Turkish white- cheese 1 tbsp milk 1tsp dried mint 1 tsp dried parsley 1 tsp red pepper Direction  1- In a small bowl, mix feta cheese with milk until it is creamy. 2- Then add spices, and mix well. Slice the cucumber into one-inch circles. Pour the cheesy mixture onto the cucumber. Serve it for side dish or for breakfast. Afiyet Olsun.