If you've ever travelled in Turkey, you know firsthand there are very interesting and exotic desserts everywhere you look. Baklava filled with pistachios, semolina cookies steeped in syrup, 'chicken breast' pudding and 'kazadibi' are all beloved...

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But there is one dessert favorite that stands out about all the rest. Its name is 'ekmek kadayıf' (eck-MECK' kah-dah-YUF'-uh). In Turkish, 'ekmek' means 'bread.' That's exactly what it is. A thick layer of firm, porous bread drenched in a lemony syrup and topped with loads of ground pistachios and Turkish clotted cream, called 'kaymak.'

It's amazing what a few humble ingredients like bread and sugar can do. And you don't have to make your own bread for this dessert. Dry bread especially made for 'ekmek kadayıfı' are sold in markets all over the country. All you have to do is prepare the syrup, then let it soak!

You can find prepacked 'ekmek kadayıfı' in Middle Eastern grocers and on websites sellling Turkish ingredients. If you can't get it, go to your local bakery and find an oversized loaf of bread that's porous inside and sturdy enough to hold a lot of syrup without falling apart. Then all you have to do is cut off the crust, make thick slices and soak away.

If you want to try your hand at making this classic Turkish dessert at home, try this recipe for 'ekmek kadayıfı' and be ready for a sweet, juicy treat.

Photo © Kybele - Fotolia.com

Summer is here and grilling season has begun. It’s the perfect time to fire up your grill and get cooking. If you’re looking for new ways to make simple, easy dishes like chicken kebabs, go no further. Here is the perfect, back-to-basics recipe...

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If you’re looking for new ways to make simple, easy dishes like chicken kebabs, go no further. Here is the perfect, back-to-basics recipe for authentic Turkish chicken on a skewer.

Unlike many chicken kebab recipes you may have tried before, this one has minimal vegetables. But don’t worry, it packs maximum flavor. Like all traditional Turkish kebabs, the magic lies in the quality of the meat and in the marinade, not in the things that go along with it.

In this simple recipe, the white or dark meat chicken is marinated overnight in a mixture of plain yogurt or milk, onion and garlic juice and spices. Say goodbye to dry, flavorless chicken. A sprinkle of salt and some Turkish spices like oregano are all you need for the most succulent chicken you’ve ever tasted.

Try this recipe for basic Turkish-style chicken kebabs, then use your imagination to make the recipe your very own.

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If you're a fan of Turkish kebabs, you'll be sure to adore this beloved dish from the southeastern region of Turkey, near the city of Gaziantep. It's called 'ali nazik' kebab, and its name and history are just as enticing as its ingredients. This dish...

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Photo © aliilkerelci - Fotolia.com

Did you know how important soups are in Turkish cuisine? Soup is eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Turkey.  It also has an important place on religious holiday menus like Ramazan. The most common soups are made with vegetables, legumes...

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Though I love all Turkish soups, there is one that has always captured my attention just a little bit more than the others.  It’s called 'tarhana’ soup. 

‘Tarhana’ soup is named after its main ingredient called ‘tarhana’  (tar-HAHN’-ah). ‘Tarhana’ is a dry pulse made from plain yogurt and crushed vegetables like red peppers, onions and garlic. The mixture is left out in the hot Anatolian air to dry and ferment.

When it’s completely dry, the clumps of ‘tarhana’ are pounded into a coarse powder by hand.  All it takes is a few spoons of ‘tarhana’ and some other simple ingredients like water, butter, tomato paste and spices to make a thick, spicy bowl of classic ‘tarhana’ soup.

Try this easy recipe for Turkish ‘tarhana’ soup and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Photo © Elizabeth Taviloglu, 2014

Are you constantly struggling to get your family, especially your kids, to eat more vegetables? Especially dark green leafies, like spinach? If it seems impossible, this recipe for Turkish purslane and ground beef stew might be the answer. ...

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Are you constantly struggling to get your family, especially your kids, to eat more vegetables? Especially dark green leafies, like spinach? If it seems impossible, this recipe for Turkish purslane and ground beef stew might be the answer.

Purslane is a plant that’s native to parts of Europe and the Middle East. That’s why it’s a common ingredient in many cuisines from these regions. Because of its high nutritional value, purslane is grown all over the world. When it cooks up,it looks similar to spinach, but in place of the bitterness, it has a gentle, tangy flavor.

Purslane is especially prized in Turkish cuisine. Turkish mothers have been serving their kids purlane and ground beef stew for ages. There’s a good reason. It’s not only an easy stovetop dish that’s cooked all in one pot, it’s also delicious and nutritious. My whole family loves it. You don’t need to serve much extra along with it. A dolop of thick, plain yogurt on top and some crusty bread will do.

Try this recipe for Turkish purslane and ground beef stew and get them to eat their dark green leafies.

Spring has sprung and fresh vegetables and fruits are filling the shelves at the market and green grocer. This is the best time of year to prepare delicious Turkish vegetable and ‘meze’ dishes made with fresh veggies and herbs. One of my all time...

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One of my all time favorite dishes is Turkish-style artichoke bottoms filled with tender fava beans. This dish is a great example of light, healthy Mediterranean cooking.

The recipe comes from Turkey’s western provinces bordering the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Just imagine tender artichokes steamed together with bright green fava beans, seasoned with lemon juice, olive oil and loads of fresh dill weed. It’s irresistable!

Stuffed artichokes goes great as a starter or have more than one with some crusty bread for a light vegetarian lunch. It’s also fancy enough for company and looks stunning on the table.

Try this recipe for Turkish-style artichoke bottoms stuffed with fava beans. You’ll see that going vegetarian is more delicious than you think!

Photo © Elizabeth Taviloglu, 2014

If you like the idea of spinach and eggs for breakfast or lunch, or you're a low carb enthusiast, you should try this recipe for Turkish-style spinach and eggs. It’s much lighter than classic eggs Florentine, and packs much more flavor. This one of...

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This one of my favorite recipes for busy days, or for days when I don’t have meat in the freezer. It’s also a great way to get your family to enjoy spinach!

Fresh spinach and onion are sauteed in butter until tender, then the juices are thickened with a little flour and milk to make them creamy. Eggs are cracked on top and allowed to cook through.

Does this sound good to you so far?

To top things off, put a big a dolop of plain or garlic yogurt on top of each serving and you have a real Turkish treat.

I also like this dish when I’m watching my weight. It’s very low in carbohydrates and high in protein and nutrients. Since you replace heavy Hollandaise sauce with plain yogurt, you can also save a lot of fat.

So if you’re wondering what to do next with fresh spinach, or looking for ways to spice up your low carb menu, try this easy Turkish recipe for sauteed spinach and eggs. It may just become a regular in your kitchen.

Photo © yuliakotina - Fotolia.com

]]> http://0121.eluminary.org/p/Try-Turkish-Kofte-And-Piyaz-A-Healthy-Alternative-To-Burger-And-Fries Sun, 22 Dec 2013 00:51:50 +0000 http://0121.eluminary.org/p/Try-Turkish-Kofte-And-Piyaz-A-Healthy-Alternative-To-Burger-And-Fries

Are you a burger lover that wants to improve your diet? Then Turkish ‘kofte’ (kuf-TAY’) and piyaz (pee-AHZ’) is the perfect combo for you. ‘Kofte’ are meatballs made with beef or a mixture of beef and lamb that are seasoned with Turkish...

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‘Kofte’ are meatballs made with beef or a mixture of beef and lamb that are seasoned with Turkish spices and grilled to perfection. Their partner is called ‘piyaz.’

As a team, these two dishes make the perfect alternative to a burger and fries. You get all the taste of beef without the bun, and instead of high carbs and fat in french fries, you get a side dish that’s high protein and fiber with only a drizzle of olive oil.

What’s more, both these dishes are easy to make and feature inexpensive, easy-to-find ingredients. Once you try ‘kofte’ and ‘piyaz’, you’ll understand why they’re practically a Turkish national dish. Go ahead and try this easy recipe for ‘piyaz' and do something healthy for your diet.

Photo © Fatih SÖZERİ - Fotolia.com

Have you ever wondered what to do with celeriac? You know, that gnarly root vegetable that smells like celery?In Turkish cuisine, celeriac, better known as ‘kereviz’ (kehr-eh-VEEZ’), is a very popular vegetable, especially during the fall and winter...

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In Turkish cuisine, celeriac, better known as ‘kereviz’ (kehr-eh-VEEZ’), is a very popular vegetable, especially during the fall and winter months. When peeled and cooked, its fluffy texture and wonderful, delicate celery aroma make it a perfect base ingredient for soup. Try this recipe for Turkish-style celeriac soup I make at home.

All you need are a few simple ingredients to prepare this delicious and nutritious soup. The key is to find fresh, young celeriac.

Celeriac is inexpensive and easy to find all year round in Turkey at most vegetable stands and produce markets. If you live outside of Turkey, try your local product market or green grocer who sells specialty vegetables.

This soup is fancy enough for company and the whole family will love it’s creamy texture and mild flavor. There's nothing like a steaming bowl of this fragrant soup on a chilly winter day. All you need is some crusty bread for dipping. Turkish-style celeriac soup also compliments many winter holiday menus that feature poultry, especially roasted turkey with stuffing.

If you're feeling brave and want to try a new vegetable soup, or you want to add some Turkish flare to your holiday turkey dinner, go ahead and try this delicious soup, whatever the occassion.

Photo © Elizabeth Taviloglu, 2014

Imagine a warm dessert that's golden brown and crunchy on the outside with stringy melted cheese oozing from the middle, drenched in butter and sweetened with a light, lemony syrup. Does this combination excite you or does it sound a bit strange? You...

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You may not like the idea at first, but once you try this traditional Turkish dessert called 'kunefe' (kyoon-eh-FAY'), you'll fall in love.

Turkish cuisine is known for its delicious, syrupy desserts like baklava. 'Kunefe' is another worthy addition to the line-up that comes from the southeastern region of the country.

That's right, it's the same area famous for Turkey's delicious kebabs. That's why the best place to enjoy good 'kunefe' is in a kebab house!

Authentic 'kunefe' can be difficult to make at home, so most folks wait until they go out to eat kebab to have this delectable dessert.

The main ingredients in 'kunefe' are a special shredded dough used in many Turkish and Middle Eastern desserts called 'kadayıf' (kah-dah-YUF'), low salt Turkish cheese for the filling, lots of butter, and, of course, lots of sugar. It's baked in a round, shallow 'kunefe' pan and served piping hot.

To find out more about this delicious dessert, check out this article about Turkish 'kunefe.' And make sure you put it at the top of your list of new desserts to try.

Photo © Kybele - Fotolia.com