Moving out of my Turkish Mediterranean comfort zone into something completely new: Pan-Seared Duck. This is the kind of dish I used to save for special dinners at restaurants, thinking it was far too complicated to attempt at home. But the truth? Cooking duck breast is surprisingly simple and so rewarding. You don’t need any olive oil or butter; duck renders its own fat as it cooks, leaving the skin beautifully crispy and the meat tender and juicy. The leftover fat in the pan

This is the potato salad I make on repeat. It’s fresh and bright with plenty of herbs, lightly creamy from a touch of mayo, and has the perfect tang from lemon and Dijon mustard. It’s the kind of side dish that fits everywhere — whether it’s burgers on a weeknight, a BBQ with friends, or packed up for a picnic. I love how easy it is too. While the potatoes gently simmer, you can whisk up the dressing, and by the time they’re cool enough to handle, everything comes together in

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 light, flavorful frittata is my favorite way to celebrate summer zucchini. Inspired by Turkish mücver, it combines tender zucchini, creamy feta, and fluffy baked eggs into a dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Everything comes together in one pan, making it an easy, comforting recipe you’ll want to revisit all season long. Ingredients 4 eggs 2 tablespoons milk 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons 40 g feta chees

Salads have always been more than a side dish in my kitchen. On busy days especially, I often build a bowl that’s filling enough to count as lunch or dinner on its own. This spinach and lentil salad is one of those meals I come back to when I want something fresh but still comforting. A base of tender spinach, green lentils, and juicy cherry tomatoes makes it hearty without feeling heavy. The halloumi is pan-fried until golden and served warm on top, adding that familiar salt

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

This yoghurt and cumin marinade turns simple chicken thighs into tender, juicy pieces full of flavour, perfect for busy evenings or an easy family dinner. The yoghurt gently tenderises the meat, keeping it moist as it bakes. Combined with earthy cumin, smoky paprika, and a touch of garlic, it creates a depth of flavour that feels comforting yet vibrant. I like serving it with a crisp salad, a side of rice, or tucked into warm flatbreads for a satisfying meal. It’s the kind of

There’s something about this salad that instantly takes me back to Istanbul. I can still see myself sitting by the Bosphorus in a little seafood restaurant, the sound of waves in the background, and a table full of mezze. Among all the colorful dishes, this simple tomato onion salad surprised me the most. Juicy summer tomatoes, sweet red onions, and that unexpected soy sauce dressing that gives it a fresh, tangy, umami-packed flavor. It’s light and vibrant yet somehow so sati

Peach is hands down my favorite fruit. The moment they show up at the market, I start slipping them into everything — from savory salads to baked desserts… and of course, breakfast. This peach overnight oats recipe is one of my go-to summer routines. It’s cold, creamy, naturally sweet from the fruit, and takes just five minutes to prepare the night before. I make it in a small jar and enjoy it as-is, or with a spoonful of muesli or a few nuts on top for crunch. The texture is

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. It’s basically a rolled meatloaf — soft, savory ground beef wrapped around a creamy mashed potato center, then baked until golden and crisp on the outside. Serve it warm, sliced straight from the oven, or enjoy the leftovers the next day. They reheat beautifully! Ingredients For the meatloaf: 500g ground beef 1 small onion, grated A little l

These apple, walnut, and cinnamon crescents have been part of my kitchen for years. Soft, buttery, and gently spiced, they’re the kind of cookies I make without much thought, because I know exactly how they’ll turn out and how quickly they’ll disappear. If you’ve spent time around me, chances are you’ve had one. I’ve baked them for coffee breaks at work, family gatherings, and quiet afternoons at home. The dough stays tender thanks to a little yogurt, and the filling has that

I didn’t grow up with frozen fries from a bag. At home, fries were always hand-cut, uneven, and a little unpredictable — some crisp and...

There are days when all you want is something golden, crispy, and comforting. These homemade chicken fingers hit that spot perfectly....

This has been my favorite dessert since I was a kid. Soft, creamy, and deeply chocolatey — without being overly sweet. It’s one of those...

This creamy chicken pie with puff pastry is one of those dishes that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but actually comes...

This herb-crusted tuna is one of those dishes I make when I want something quick but still nicely put together. It cooks in minutes, doesn’t need much prep, and feels light yet satisfying at the same time. The garlic and herb coating comes together quickly and forms a golden crust as soon as it hits a hot pan. Inside, the tuna stays tender and juicy, which is exactly how I like it. I usually serve it with whatever makes sense that day, roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or s

There’s something about mac and cheese that just brings people together. It’s familiar, comforting, and endlessly satisfying — the kind...

This pasta started as a quick way to use up some extra cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, and it ended up becoming a regular in our home. It’s simple to prepare, yet the flavor is bold and comforting; roasted vegetables, warm spices, and creamy feta blended into a silky sauce that coats every bite of pasta. I roast everything together in one dish: the tomatoes soften and burst, the peppers char slightly, and the feta turns golden and soft. A quick blitz in the blender with a s

This recipe has become a family favorite in our home, especially with my kids. The chicken is juicy inside, golden and crunchy outside,...

On pizza nights I like a few good ingredients that do the talking. This one is all about golden mushrooms and a few small bits of...