For Hünkar Beğendi, the name already sets expectations. It means “the sultan liked it,” and refers to a much-loved Turkish comfort food that pairs a rich meat stew with a silky, smoky eggplant purée. The dish comes from the Ottoman palace kitchens, where eggplant was used with confidence and care, and where simple ingredients were turned into something elegant and deeply satisfying. Even today, it remains one of the most recognizable examples of classic Ottoman cuisine. In my

Slow Sunday cooking has its own kind of comfort. It is the kind of day when the kitchen finally feels calm, the Dutch oven stays on the stove without hurry, and everything has time to come together slowly. The beef softens until it almost falls apart, the mushrooms bring a deep earthiness, and the creamy mustard sauce wraps around everything with a cozy richness. It is simple to prepare, but the result tastes like a meal you linger over on a cool fall evening. Ingredients 850

Whenever I sit down at a nice kebab restaurant in Istanbul, Ali Nazik is the dish I always order. The smoky roasted eggplant blended with garlicky yogurt makes the creamiest base, and the tender meat on top with a drizzle of butter turns it into something truly special. It is rich yet light, and to me it captures the heart of Turkish food: simple ingredients layered into deep, comforting flavors. Ali Nazik – Turkish roasted eggplant mixed with garlicky yogurt and topped with

Moving out of my Turkish Mediterranean comfort zone into something completely new: Pan-Seared Duck. This is the kind of dish I used to...

Homemade cheeseburgers don’t need to be complicated to be amazing. With juicy beef patties, melted cheddar, and a few simple tricks, this recipe brings all the comfort of a classic burger to your kitchen. Whether you stack them high or keep them classic, these burgers are guaranteed to satisfy. Ingredients 500g ground beef (20% fat if possible) 1 small onion, finely grated with its juices 2 teaspoons soy sauce ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or natural vinegar – just a splash

This dish may look like something you’d only make for guests, but it’s one of the easiest and most satisfying dinners I’ve made lately....

Kuru fasulye is what I make when I want dinner to taste like home. Tender beef, soft white beans and a tomato sauce that slowly deepens...

When velvety beğendi meets sizzling köfte, you’re tasting a signature of Turkish cuisine. Beğendi—smoky roasted eggplant whisked into a...

Cooking a perfect steak at home doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated. With just a simple pan and a few key ingredients, you can...

Being a working mom means planning ahead wherever I can—and these freezer-friendly meatballs are one of my favourite ways to stay...

If there’s one dinner that’s guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy, it’s a bowl of creamy orzo loaded with juicy meatballs and...

Kadınbudu Köfte is a treasured recipe that captures the essence of Turkish cooking. For many who grew up with it, the smell of these...

There are evenings when I want something comforting but don’t have hours to wait for a classic stew. This recipe is exactly for those nights. The pressure cooker turns the beef tender in a short time, while the mushrooms and carrots melt into a warm, cozy sauce that tastes like it simmered all afternoon. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with a rich aroma and makes you slow down a little by the time you sit at the table. A small spoon of butter at the end brings ev

Karnıyarık is a cherished dish that showcases the best of Turkish home cooking. This dish features soft, roasted eggplants filled with a...

When you think of comforting meals that remind you of family dinners and cozy nights, beef stroganoff is likely at the top of the list....

If you're craving an authentic taste of Turkish street food, look no further than Crispy Fried Liver . This beloved dish is famous for...

Cottage pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings spent with family. This version keeps it simple and mild, making it...