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

At the heart of Turkish home cooking are dishes like this one. Everyday meals made for regular weekdays and family tables, not for special occasions. With ingredients that are almost always on hand, potatoes, ground beef, onion, and a spoon of tomato paste, this stew comes together slowly on the stove, just as it has for generations. It is not cooked to impress. It is cooked because it is comforting and reliable. Everything goes into one pot, the potatoes soften and absorb th

Halva is one of the most traditional desserts in Turkish homes, often prepared during emotional moments, especially when families come together after a loss or on meaningful religious days. Even though the ingredients are simple, the process itself carries a sense of calm, patience, and togetherness. This version is the one my mom has always made. She toasts the flour slowly in butter until the color deepens and the smell fills the kitchen, then finishes it with milk and suga

Every Turkish home has its own version of Şakşuka. I love how humble it is. A few fresh vegetables, some patience with the frying, and suddenly you have something that feels abundant and generous. Whether it’s served as a meze or with bread for lunch, it’s one of those timeless recipes that never loses its charm. Ingredients For the vegetables 2 medium eggplants 2 zucchinis 2 medium potatoes Sunflower oil, for frying Salt For the tomato sauce 400 g ripe tomatoes (peeled and c

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. Ingredients For the garlic yogurt eggplant base: 2 medium eggplants 300 g strain

This is one of the most nostalgic dishes from my childhood. Domatesli pilav is as classic as it gets in a Turkish kitchen. It’s the kind of food that reminds you of home. I remember the kitchen filled with the smell of warm tomatoes and rice slowly steaming under the lid. There was always a light crispy and golden crust at the bottom of the pot and we’d all hope our spoon would catch a piece. Ingredients 1½ cups white rice (preferably Baldo or another Turkish-style long grai

A pan of menemen feels like the perfect start to a slow morning. The sizzle of onions, the sweet aroma of ripe tomatoes and peppers, and the gentle folding of creamy eggs make it a dish that brings comfort with every bite. In Turkey, menemen is a breakfast staple, but I often make it for lunch or a light dinner too. It’s quick, made with simple ingredients, and just as satisfying. Sometimes I crumble in a little feta or sprinkle kaşar cheese on top for extra richness, but eve

In Turkish homes, this dish is a staple — served alongside everything from roasted chicken to vegetable stews, or even enjoyed on its own with a dollop of yogurt. Bulgur, made from cracked wheat, is rich in fiber and nutrients, making it a wholesome alternative to rice. What I love most about this pilaf is its simplicity: a handful of pantry ingredients, one pot, and less than 20 minutes later, you have a side that tastes like home. Ingredients 1 cup bulgur wheat 2 tbsp olive

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...

Baked fresh this Sunday morning, my kitchen is filled with the comforting aroma of Dereotlu Peynirli Poğaça, a beloved Turkish pastry...

“Tavuklu pilav” (Turkish chicken & rice) is a real comfort food in Turkish homes — and street food too. It’s one of those dishes that...

This Turkish rice pilaf is a comforting classic that brings the warmth of home to any meal. Made with baldo rice, a variety known for its perfect texture, this pilaf is tender and fluffy with each grain staying separate. The key to its deliciousness is using chicken broth, which adds depth and richness to the rice, making every bite feel like a cozy hug. Baldo rice may be a staple in Turkish kitchens, but it’s becoming more common outside of Turkey and can be found in special

“Zeytinyağlı taze fasulye” is one of those dishes that instantly transports me to a Turkish summer afternoon—windows open, breeze...

Some recipes just feel like home — and this is one of them. Whenever I need something simple, light, and comforting, this soup never lets me down. It’s the kind of dish I grew up with: no fuss, no fancy ingredients — just a warm bowl of goodness made with love. The tel şehriye (Turkish vermicelli noodles) soak up the flavorful broth beautifully, and the tender chicken makes it just hearty enough. A touch of black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon at the end — it’s pure comfort i

There are certain dishes that instantly take you back in time. For me, kısır will always be tied to the golden glow of altın günü—those lively Turkish afternoon gatherings where women came together to share food, laughter, and, in the past, tiny pieces of gold as gifts. Nowadays, the gold may have disappeared (thanks, economy), but kısır remains a shining centerpiece of the table. Growing up, I’d often tag along with my mom to these get-togethers. The living room would be fil

If you’ve never tried Çılbır, you’re in for a real treat. This comforting Turkish dish has been around since the 15th century, and for...

If you’ve ever experienced a traditional Turkish çay saati, you know it's more than just a tea break—it's a lively gathering filled with...

Kadınbudu Köfte is one of those classic Turkish dishes that quietly holds its place in everyday home cooking. It’s not flashy, but it’s deeply familiar. Made with a mix of cooked and raw ground beef, plus a small amount of rice, these patties are soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and incredibly satisfying. This is the kind of recipe that’s often prepared ahead of time, shaped calmly at the kitchen counter, and fried just before serving. It works equally well for a si

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Mücver is a delightful Turkish zucchini fritter. Quick and easy to make, these fritters are packed with fresh herbs and feta. They make a great appetizer, side dish, or a light meal when served with yogurt. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, they're the perfect addition to any table. Ingredients 2 medium zucchinis, grated 1 teaspoon salt (to draw out moisture) 2 eggs 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 125g feta cheese, crumb