More on Turkish food, recipes, cuisine and ingredients!

Turkish Cuisine is supposed to be a descendant of the Ottoman Cuisine. Basically, Ottoman Cuisine is a hybrid of recipes coming from the Central Asian, Balkan and Mid-Eastern regions of the world. To be more specific, Turkish food is a subtly composed of recipes from the East and the West- minced in perfect proportions to form a mouth-watering delight. The base ingredients used in Turkish food are Mid-Eastern primarily and the adjunct ingredients come from the Central Asian turf. Milk products (Yogurt, in particular), Mezes, Breads and Kebabs form the pillars of Turkish food. Most Turkish recipes revolve around a main dish served with one or more breads. In the remainder section of this write up, we would be examining some of the most common food items and recipes that Turkish food encompasses.

A striking feature about Turkish cuisine is the fact that the ingredients, the style of cooking and the added sauces, breads and garnishing vary greatly with the region. For instance, food in and around the Black sea is based around corn, while the South-Eastern region of the country is known for finger-licking good Meze and kebab delicacies. Not only this, recipes of the Mediterranean region would entail a more European flavor to themselves- consisting of green vegetables, fruits and fish. You can get some of the best sea-food that Turkey has to offer in the regions of the Aegean and Marmara. The Anatolia region, contrary to all other places in Turkey, has cuisine that is based primarily on vegetables and green herbs. This region is also known for the use of Pasta as a common ingredient in their recipes.

Doner Kebab is one of my personal favorites, when it comes to picking the best of Turkish food. Doner is a sandwich consisting of Sucuk (the Turkish version of a sausage) and a few additional ingredients namely Simik And Pastirma. Doner is a favorite amongst people looking for a quick but filling meal. Coffee is also an integral part of Turkish culture. So much so, that breakfast in Turkish language is known as Kahvalti, literally meaning a meal taken before having coffee.

Yogurt, tomato sauce and dry fruits form an integral part of traditional home made Turkish food. Most recipes are designed keeping in mind the hot climate. Yogurt and cucumber, therefore, form an integral part of food here. Mint, Oregano, Parsley and black pepper are some of the most preferred spices that are commonly used in food here.
Simit is one of the most popular breads of Turkey and is prepared on special occasions. Consisting primarily of sesame seeds, Simit is best served with an added sauce or dish. Meat is usually the preferred ingredient during marriages and other ceremonial occasions. Since Turkey is an Islamic country, pork is nowhere to be seen. Lamb and beef are the commonly used meats. With so many delicacies and a wide array of cuisines, Turkish food has something for everyone to relish.