As the summer season begins, the foods in Turkish restaurants also change. In Turkish summer food, fried vegetables are the main food in Turkey cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes, are served with yogurt sauce. In addition, Turkish summer food which people like halva as a dessert, contains less sugar. Likewise, Turkey has some of the most delicious summer dishes in the world, and you can make many of these delicious foods at home. The following are the most common summer foods in Turkish cuisine:
Menemon (food)
Menemon is a famous Turkish summer food, the same as shakshouka.
Ingredients
The primary ingredients of Menemen include:
- Green peppers: Turkish green peppers are ideal, but any mild green pepper can be substituted.•
- Onions: Optional, but often included to add sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Olive oil or butter: used for sautéing the vegetables.
- Spices: commonly include salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Some variations might also add cumin or oregano.
Poached egg (Cilbir)
This dish has been the favorite food of the Ottoman sultans since the 15th century.
Ingredients
- For the Poached Eggs: Eggs WaterVinegar (optional, to help coagulate the egg whites)
- For the Yogurt Base: Thick plain yogurt (Greek-style yogurt works well)Garlic, minced, or crushed Salt.
- For the Spiced Butter Sauce: Butter Red pepper flakes (Aleppo pepper is traditional, but any mild red pepper flakes can be used)Paprika (optional)Fresh or dried herbs such as dill, mint, or parsley (optional)
Stuffed squash blossoms
Squash flowers are readily available in Mediterranean markets. Squash flowers have to break before sunrise because they later wither from the heat of the sun.
Ingredients
The primary ingredients for stuffed squash blossoms include:
- Squash Blossoms: Freshly picked blossoms are the key ingredient. Moreover, they should be bright, intact, and free from any wilting or damage.
- Filling: Common fillings include a mixture of cheeses (like ricotta, mozzarella, or goat cheese), herbs (such as basil, mint, or parsley), garlic, and sometimes anchovies or prosciutto. For a Mexican variation, the filling might include ingredients like queso fresco, epazote, and sometimes sautéed onions or chilies.
- Batter (Optional): Many recipes call for a light batter made from flour, water, and sometimes eggs, used for coating the blossoms before frying.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and occasionally lemon zest or nutmeg to enhance the flavors.
Yalanci dolma (fake dolma)
In Middle Eastern cuisine, Yalanci dolma is common. It means “stuffed in Turkish”.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Rice (typically short-grain or medium-grain, like Baldo rice)
- Onions (finely chopped)
- Olive oil
- Pine nuts
- Currants or raisins
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, mint)
- Spices (allspice, cinnamon, black pepper)
- Tomato paste (optional)
- Salt
- Lemon juice (for added tanginess)
For the Wrapping:
- Grape leaves (fresh or preserved in brine)
- Lemon slices (for garnish and added flavor)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)
Kisir
But in Turkish cuisine, it serves as a dish of oil and lemon juice. This dish is similar to cig kofte.
Ingredients
The primary ingredients of kisir include: It forms the base of the dish.
- Tomato Paste: adds a rich, tangy flavor and vibrant color to the salad.
- Pepper Paste: Often used in Turkish cuisine, it can be either mild or spicy and adds depth to the dish.
- Olive Oil: Used to blend and enhance the flavors.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a fresh, tangy taste.
- Pomegranate Molasses: Sometimes added for a sweet and tangy flavor (optional).
- Onions: usually spring onions or finely chopped regular onions.
- Garlic: adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, chopped tomatoes contribute to the salad’s juiciness and freshness.
- Cucumbers: add crunch and freshness.
- Spices: Common spices include cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cacik
Ingredients
- Yogurt: The base of cacık is typically plain, full-fat yogurt.
- Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers are finely chopped or grated. In some variations, they are peeled, while in others, they are left unpeeled for added texture and color.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is minced or crushed to add a robust flavor.
- Herbs: Common herbs include fresh dill, mint, and sometimes parsley. Likewise, these add a fresh, aromatic element to the dish.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is often added for richness and flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice may be added for a touch of acidity.
- Salt and Pepper: These are used to season the chicken to taste.
