10+ Turkish Recipes to Savor and Share

Turkish cuisine is rich in flavor and tradition. It offers a wide variety of dishes that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Exploring Turkish recipes allows you to bring the vibrant tastes of this beautiful region into your kitchen.

From hearty stews to fresh salads and flavorful breads, Turkish recipes often use everyday ingredients that are easy to find. You can create delightful meals that not only satisfy your hunger but also introduce a new culinary experience to your family and friends.

1) Red Lentil Soup

Red lentil soup, also known as Mercimek Çorbası, is a warm and comforting dish. It is nutritious and simple to make, perfect for any day of the week.

You’ll need red lentils, onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. Adding spices like cumin and tomato paste enhances the flavor. This soup cooks up quickly, making it great for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups red lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 potato, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp red pepper paste
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cups water or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in carrot and potato, cooking for a few minutes.
4. Mix in tomato paste and red pepper paste.
5. Add lentils and water or broth.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes.
7. Blend for a smooth texture if desired.
8. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

2) Döner Kebab Pita Sandwiches

Döner kebab pita sandwiches are a delicious and filling meal. You can enjoy them at home or grab one on the go. They are made with seasoned meat served in warm pita bread.

To start, you’ll want to choose your meat. Beef or lamb both work well, and can be spiced with herbs and spices. Cook the meat until it’s tender.

Next, prepare your toppings. Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions add crunch and flavor. Don’t forget to add sauces like yogurt or spicy sauce for extra taste.

Warm your pita bread before filling it up. Layer the sliced meat, veggies, and sauce inside.

Now you’re ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef or lamb
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 4 pita breads
• 1 cup lettuce
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• Sauces of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the meat with cumin and paprika.
2. Cook the meat in a skillet until tender (about 20 minutes at 350°F or 175°C).
3. Warm the pita bread in a skillet for a few minutes.
4. Slice the meat thinly.
5. Fill each pita with meat, lettuce, tomato, onion, and sauce. Enjoy!

3) Imam Bayildi (Stuffed Eggplant)

Imam Bayildi is a classic Turkish dish featuring tender eggplants stuffed with a savory mix of onions, tomatoes, and spices. The name translates to “the imam fainted,” reflecting how much people love this dish.

To make Imam Bayildi, you start by roasting eggplants until they are soft. Then, you slice them and fill them with a thick tomato mixture flavored with garlic and herbs. This hearty meal is often enjoyed with rice or bread.

It’s a flavorful vegetarian option that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out some flesh.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
4. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.
5. Stuff the eggplants with the mixture and drizzle with more olive oil.
6. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

4) Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)

Lahmacun is a delicious Turkish dish often called Turkish pizza. It features a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a flavorful mix of seasoned meat, vegetables, and spices.

You can customize the toppings based on your taste. Common ingredients include ground beef, garlic, onions, and tomatoes.

Cooking lahmacun is easy, and it tastes great served warm. You can enjoy it as a snack or a meal, often with fresh herbs on top.

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough into thin circles.
3. In a bowl, mix the meat, onion, garlic, tomato, bell pepper, and spices.
4. Spread the meat mixture evenly on the dough.
5. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are crispy.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.

5) Baklava

Baklava is a delicious dessert loved by many. This sweet treat is made of layers of thin phyllo dough, nuts, and syrup. It’s often flavored with pistachios, but you can use other nuts too.

To make baklava, you layer the dough with butter and nuts, then cut it into pieces before baking. Once it’s golden brown, you pour a syrup made of sugar, water, and lemon juice over it.

The result is a rich, sweet dessert that is both flaky and chewy. Enjoy it as a special treat or during celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 package of phyllo dough
• 1 cup of melted butter
• 2 cups of finely chopped nuts (like pistachios or walnuts)
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
3. Layer phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with butter.
4. Add a layer of nuts.
5. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
6. Cut into squares.
7. Bake for about 45 minutes until golden.
8. Boil sugar, water, and lemon juice for syrup.
9. Pour syrup over the hot baklava after baking.

6) Manti (Turkish Dumplings)

Manti are delicious Turkish dumplings that are often filled with ground beef or lamb. These tender treats are usually topped with a garlicky yogurt sauce, making them rich in flavor.

To make Manti, you can use homemade egg pasta. The dumplings are small and can be boiled until they are soft. This dish is a wonderful combination of textures and tastes.

You can enjoy Manti with various sauces, like melted butter mixed with herbs. Many people also like adding spices for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Chili flakes and mint for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, egg, and water to make the dough.
2. Roll out the dough and cut it into small squares.
3. In another bowl, combine meat, onion, salt, and pepper.
4. Place a spoonful of the filling on each square.
5. Fold and seal the dumplings.
6. Boil them in salted water until they float.
7. Mix yogurt and garlic in a bowl.
8. Serve Manti topped with yogurt, melted butter, and spices.

7) Chicken Shish Kebab

Chicken Shish Kebab is a tasty dish that comes from Turkey. It’s made with marinated chicken that’s grilled on skewers. The marinade usually includes yogurt, garlic, and spices, which keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.

To make it, start by cutting the chicken into cubes. Then, marinate the chicken for a few hours to let the flavors soak in. After that, you can thread the pieces onto skewers.

Grill the kebabs over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally for even cooking. Once they’re golden and cooked through, they’re ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into cubes.
2. In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken to the marinade and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
4. Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
5. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
6. Grill skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

8) Menemen (Turkish Scrambled Eggs)

Menemen is a delicious Turkish dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for breakfast or brunch.

To make this dish, start by cooking chopped onions and peppers in a pan. Once they’re soft, add diced tomatoes and let everything cook together. Finally, gently stir in beaten eggs until they are just set.

Serve Menemen hot with crusty bread for dipping. This dish is not only tasty but also very fulfilling.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Add the chopped onions and peppers, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour them into the pan.
5. Stir gently until the eggs are just set.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

9) Turkish Delight (Lokum)

Turkish Delight, also known as Lokum, is a sweet, chewy candy. It’s usually flavored with rosewater or citrus. You may also find variations with nuts or dried fruits.

Making Turkish Delight is a fun kitchen project. It requires just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience. The result is a colorful treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon rosewater (or other flavor)
• Optional: nuts or dried fruit

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. In another bowl, mix cornstarch and cream of tartar with a little water to form a paste.
3. Gradually add the paste to the sugar mixture, stirring constantly.
4. Cook on low heat for about 30 minutes until thick.
5. Stir in rosewater and any desired extras.
6. Pour into a mold and let it set for several hours.
7. Cut into cubes and dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

10) Pide (Turkish Flatbread)

Pide is a delicious Turkish flatbread that resembles a boat in shape. It can be topped with a variety of ingredients like cheese, spiced meats, or vegetables. This bread is perfect for sharing at gatherings.

To make pide, you’ll start with a simple dough that doesn’t require much kneading. Once baked, you’ll enjoy a fluffy and chewy texture. It’s often served warm and can be paired with dips or salads.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Toppings of your choice (cheese, ground meat, vegetables)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water and olive oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead briefly.
4. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
6. Shape the dough into an oval and add toppings.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
8. Serve warm.
9. Enjoy!