15 Easy Turkish Recipes for Home Cooking!

Have a look at these 15 Easy Turkish Recipes for Home Cooking if you're getting a bit bored with your usual meals.

I chose these recipes from my Turkish background to honor the delicious food traditions that have been part of my family for years.

From tasty kebabs to yummy stews and desserts, there's plenty to explore. So, why not give them a try?

Islim Kebabi - Aubergine Meatball Wraps

Aubergine Meatball Wraps (Islim Kebabi or Kurdan Kebabi) are one of those traditional Turkish dishes mainly known and loved by regular households in Turkey. 

It is not a landmark dish widely representing Turkish cuisine abroad such as Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab or Lamb Shish Kebab. 

However, it is an oriental dish that is an extremely flavorful and delicious combination of meat and vegetables.

To learn more: Islim Kebabi - Aubergine Meatball Wraps

Mucver - Courgette Fritters

Mücver (Turkish Zucchini Fritters) are small vegetable pancakes that contain zucchini (or courgettes), egg, flour, spring onion, and fresh herbs. 

These crispy, savory treats are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a perfect addition to any meal or party.

To learn more: Mucver (Turkish Zucchini Fritters)

Lamb Shish Kebab

Lamb Shish Kebab (or Shish Kabob) is a very popular Turkish / Middle Eastern dish typically served in restaurants or takeaway kebab shops. 

This simple recipe explains how to make your homemade version of this lamb kebabs from scratch with a few ingredients.

To learn more: Lamb Shish Kebab

Turkish Beef Kofta - Inegol Kofte

"Kofte" is a common name that is used for meatballs in Turkey. 

Almost every city in Turkey has its own kofte dish named after them such as "Izmir Kofte" or "Tekirdag Kofte".

Try out these soft, juicy, and delicious Turkish beef meatballs namely Inegol Kofte (Inegol meatballs), which is a classic and one of the nation's favorites.

To learn more: Inegol Kofte - Turkish Beef Kofta Recipe

Bazlama - Fluffy Turkish Flatbread

Bazlama is a soft and fluffy Turkish Flatbread that has become more popular over the last few decades. 

It is one of the oldest Turkish bread recipes, and probably the favorite of many as well. 

This versatile flatbread is very easy to make and needs only a few ingredients you might already have in hand.

To learn more: Bazlama (Turkish Flatbread)

Spinach Borek

Spinach Borek (Ispanakli Borek) is a delicious Turkish pastry made of thin flaky dough called "yufka" filled with spinach and onions.

You can eat borek as a snack, breakfast food, or as part of a bigger meal. It's so versatile and can be served hot or cold.

To learn more: Spinach Borek (Ispanakli Borek)

Turkish Aubergine Meze - Saksuka

Saksuka (Turkish Vegetable Meze) is a very much loved vegetarian/vegan dish made of shallow-fried vegetables and a simple tomato sauce. 

The star ingredient for this traditional Turkish dish is the aubergines/eggplants and the rest of the vegetables added to the dish vary from region to region.

To learn more: Saksuka (Turkish Vegetable Meze)

Turkish Grilled Lamb Kofta - Izgara Kofte

Grilled Lamb Kofta (Izgara Kofte in Turkish) is one of the most popular street foods in Turkey made with minced lamb and aromatic spices such as coriander and paprika. 

It is extremely easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills.

To learn more: Turkish Grilled Lamb Kofta - Izgara Kofte

Turkish Lahmacun

Homemade Turkish Lahmacun (or Lahmajun-Lahmajoun) is a super-thin crispy flatbread topped with minced beef or lamb mixed with vegetables, herbs, and spices.

You can find this popular street / fast food everywhere in Turkey, in restaurants, cafes, and fast-food shops.

To learn more: Turkish Lahmacun

Izmir Köfte - Smyrna Meatballs

Izmir Kofte (a.k.a Soutzoukakia or Smyrna Meatballs) is a traditional dish made with lightly fried meatballs and vegetables baked in tomato sauce. 

This delicious kofte dish is from the Izmir region of Turkey and is widely popular around the country.

To learn more: Izmir Kofte (Smyrna Meatballs)

Kuru Fasulye - Turkish White Bean Stew

Kuru Fasulye is a hearty and rich Turkish stew made with white beans and diced lamb or beef slowly cooked in a tomato sauce. 

It is packed with lots of flavors and is the ultimate comfort dish for cold winter nights.

To learn more: Kuru Fasulye

Turkish Yogurt Soup - Yayla Corbasi

Yayla Corbasi (or Turkish Yogurt Soup or Yogurtlu Corba) is a delicious & filling Turkish Soup made with yogurt, rice, and mint sauce. 

You can make this rice soup with a minimum of preparation and only a few basic ingredients.

To learn more: Yayla Corbasi - Turkish Yogurt Soup

Turkish Lamb Saute - Sac Kavurma

Sac Kavurma (Turkish Lamb Sauté) is a simple yet delicious Turkish dish made by sautéing the lamb with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and spices over high heat.

This delicious and traditional Turkish Lamb sauté recipe is very easy to prepare and is ready in just 40 minutes.

To learn more: Sac Kavurma (Turkish Lamb Saute)

Turkish Semolina Cookies - Sekerpare

Sekerpare (Turkish Semolina Cookies) is a sweet, moist, and tender dessert that's traditionally served for religious celebrations, such as Seker Bayrami which marks the end of Ramadan. 

It is a great alternative to Turkish Baklava, Tulumba - Turkish Fried Dough Dessert, or Baklava Cheesecake for your sweet cravings when you want something much simpler & quicker.

To learn more: Sekerpare - Turkish Semolina Cookies

Kadaif Dessert - Turkish Tel Kadayif

Kadaif Dessert, (or Turkish Tel Kadayif), is a popular and unique Turkish dessert typically served during the holy month of Ramadan. 

It is made with layers of crispy, shredded filo pastry base filled with a rich and nutty walnut mixture, and then baked until crispy. 

The dessert is then soaked in a sweet syrup, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture.

To learn more: Kadaif Dessert - Turkish Tel Kadayif