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

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