Fried Horse Mackerel - Istavrit balığı kızartması

The horse mackerel, also known in Turkey as istavrit is one of my favorite fishes to deep fry or just pan fry in winter. They are mostly at its best during the winter months when they are usually fat which makes them even more delicious. Besides that, they are mostly abundant in winter, especially within the early days of December to late January. And because they are at its peak, their abundance makes them very affordable when sold in the markets by the kilo. And unlike hamsi or anchovies which are typically small even when they are fat, the horse mackerel may come much bigger and fatter than the anchovies. More to that, you can buy more plentiful and cook more flavorful horse mackerel if you buy them in anytime between January to early February.

Turkish Beyti Kebab

A single serving of  beyti kebap.

In Turkey, kebabs can be found everywhere. And of these many delicious varieties of kebabs you’ll find everywhere in restaurants big or small, it’s the beyti kebab that is among my favorites and usually stays on my top list.

How to Make Mushroom Saute – Mantar Sote

Mushroom sauté or more commonly called in Turkish as mantar sote is one of the many delicious quick and easy dishes you can make at home. First of all, it is one of my favorite side dishes that include mushrooms.  I just love the taste of mushrooms! It's even one of the major ingredients I want in my pizza.

Turkish Pilaki - Delicious bean starters and side dish

Pilaki, a kind of Turkish starter or side dish (known in Turkey as meze) is usually cooked in thick sauce made mainly with olive oil, carrots, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, green peppers, and onions.

Pilaki dishes made with white beans (fasulye pilaki) and borlotti beans (barbunya pilaki) are the most commonly cooked in Turkish kitchens.  Pilaki dishes may be served warm or cold - depending on individual preferences and are usually garnished with parsley or drizzled with fresh lemon juice.

Bulgur Pilavi - Nutritious Bulgur Pilaf Recipe

Bulgur pilaf, also called bulgur pilavi in Turkish is a very nutritious pilaf made from wheat and is one of the many pilaf varieties in Turkish cuisine.  It is usually served with meat dishes such as kofte (meat balls), kebap (kebab), izgara (grilled meats) and casserole dishes. Usually, red tomatoes, onions, green peppers, olive oil, and other spices are usually added in making bulgur pilaf to make delicious and healthy side dish.