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...

Some recipes just become part of the rhythm of your kitchen. This creamy garlic chicken pasta is exactly that for us. It’s cozy, rich, and full of flavor, yet so simple to throw together on a weeknight. The juicy seared chicken pairs perfectly with the silky crème fraîche sauce, infused with garlic and topped off with plenty of parmesan. Every time we make it, someone asks for seconds—and that’s when you know you’ve got a keeper. If crème fraîche isn’t available where you are

Pasta simmering in tomato sauce is one of those things that instantly makes a kitchen feel calm and familiar. This eggplant and garlic pasta is a dish I often make on evenings when I want something comforting and filling, but also easy to pull together in one pan, without ending up with a sink full of dishes. The flavors are simple and rooted in the Mediterranean cooking I grew up with. Soft, almost creamy eggplant, tomatoes that cook down into a rich sauce, and plenty of gar

This soup was born out of a little kitchen magic. I opened the fridge and found half a pack of cherry tomatoes, some leftover chicken...

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

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...

Have I told you already that I’m obsessed with Greek-inspired food? Because I really, really am. There’s something about the combination...

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

Potato salad has always had a place in my kitchen. It shows up next to grilled fish, alongside meat, or on its own when I want something simple and familiar. I learned it early, adjusted it over the years, and kept it close to how I actually like to eat. This is the version I make most often. Olive oil instead of mayonnaise, lemon for freshness, herbs for balance. It rests, settles, and tastes better after a few hours, which is why I usually make it ahead and keep it in the f

This salmon in the oven is on repeat at our house. Almost once a week, sometimes more. It’s the dinner I fall back on when the day has been full and I still want something decent on the table, without turning cooking into a project. I’ve made it so many times that I don’t really think about it anymore. The oven goes on, the salmon goes in, and while it bakes I tidy up or get the rest of dinner ready. It comes out flaky and juicy, lightly lemony, and familiar in the best way.

Chicken wings are one of those foods that never really get old. Simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. This oven-baked version is the one I make at home when I want something comforting without standing by the stove or dealing with splattering oil. The marinade is easy and familiar. Yogurt keeps the wings juicy, tomato paste adds depth, and a few pantry spices do the rest. Baked in a hot oven, they come out golden, slightly sticky, and full of flavor. Perfect for a r

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

Ezogelin soup is one of those bowls I never skip when I see it on a lokanta menu in Turkey. It’s familiar in the best way, filling, warming, and quietly comforting. The kind of soup you order without thinking, because you already know it will be good. Made with red lentils, a little rice and bulgur, tomato paste, and dried mint, it’s simple but layered. Nothing flashy, just ingredients that work well together. At home, it’s one of the most satisfying soups to make, mostly han

Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek çorbası) is one of those soups that shows up again and again in Turkish kitchens, especially on colder days. It’s simple, filling, and made with ingredients that are usually already in the pantry. Onion, lentils, a couple of vegetables, and time. What makes it special is how it’s finished. A little butter warmed with paprika and dried mint, spooned over the top just before serving. And if there’s leftover bread on the counter, turning it into quick c

Cottage pie is one of those dependable dinners that feels like it takes more effort than it actually does. A warm, savory meat filling, a thick layer of mashed potatoes, and a little cheese on top, baked until golden. That’s the whole idea. This version stays mild and family-friendly, the kind of meal that works on a regular weekday, and also holds up when you want something comforting on the table. It’s also a great prep-ahead dish. You can make the filling and mash earlier

Chicken nuggets are one of those things I used to buy without thinking. They were easy, familiar, and guaranteed to be eaten. But once I started making them at home, frozen nuggets quietly disappeared from our freezer. These homemade chicken nuggets are simple, juicy on the inside, and crisp on the outside. They’re great for weeknight dinners, and they also happen to be a fun recipe to make together with kids. Ingredients 500 g minced chicken 3-4 tablespoons flour 2 eggs 1 ta