Savoring Turkey: Classic Recipes with Olive Oil

When you think of Turkish cuisine, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the rich, aromatic dishes that are often drizzled with olive oil. Since moving to Istanbul from the Bay Area, I’ve fallen in love with the local food scene. The use of olive oil in traditional Turkish recipes is not just a culinary choice; it’s a cultural heritage. Today, I want to share some of my favorite dishes that highlight this golden elixir. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious about Turkish culture, you’re in for a treat.

Living in Istanbul has been an eye-opener. The city’s vibrant markets, bustling streets, and warm-hearted people have made it feel like home. And the food? It’s a whole other level of delicious. From the simple yet flavorful mezes to the hearty main courses, olive oil is a staple ingredient that ties everything together. So, let’s dive into some traditional Turkish recipes that showcase the magic of olive oil.

Main Dishes with Olive Oil

Zeytinyal Piyaz (White Bean Salad)

This is a classic Turkish salad that’s perfect for summer. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. The key to a great piyaz is the quality of the olive oil. You want something that’s fruity and robust, as it will be the star of the dish. Heres a rough idea of how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 can of white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mix well, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. It’s that simple!

Is this the best approach? Let’s consider another option for an appetizer or meze

Zeytinyal Fasulye (Green Bean Stew)

This dish is a staple in Turkish households, especially during the winter months. It’s comforting, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. The olive oil adds a depth of flavor that makes this stew irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 500g green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of water

Instructions: Heat the olive oil in a large pot and saut the onions until they’re translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the green beans, tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Serve hot with some crusty bread.

Let’s move on to the main dishes that incorporate olive oil:

Zeytinyal Enginar (Artichoke with Olive Oil)

Artichokes are a beloved vegetable in Turkey, and this dish is a testament to their versatility. The combination of artichokes, potatoes, carrots, and peas makes for a hearty and flavorful meal. This is a great dish to make when you have some time on your hands, as it requires a bit of prep work.

Ingredients:

• 4 large artichokes
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of water

Instructions: First, prepare the artichokes by trimming the tops and removing the tough outer leaves. Cut them in half and remove the choke. Then, slice them into quarters. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and saut the onions until they’re translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the artichokes, potatoes, carrots, and peas. Pour in the water, add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Serve hot.

I’m torn between this and the next recipe, but ultimately, both are amazing in their own way.

Zeytinyal Kabak (Zucchini with Olive Oil)

This is a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The zucchini is cooked until it’s tender and then drizzled with a generous amount of olive oil. It’s a great way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup of water

Instructions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and saut the onions until they’re translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the zucchini, salt, and pepper. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Maybe I should clarify that these dishes are not just about the olive oil; they’re about the harmony of flavors that come together to create something truly special.

Zeytinyal Barbunya (Borlotti Bean Salad)

This is another classic Turkish salad that’s perfect for any time of the year. The borlotti beans are cooked until they’re tender and then mixed with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs. The olive oil adds a richness that ties all the flavors together.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of borlotti beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mix well, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Zeytinyal Patlcan (Eggplant with Olive Oil)

Eggplant is a staple in Turkish cuisine, and this dish is a great way to enjoy it. The eggplant is cooked until it’s tender and then drizzled with a generous amount of olive oil. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup of water

Instructions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and saut the onions until they’re translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the eggplant, salt, and pepper. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Let’s not forget about the desserts. While olive oil is more commonly used in savory dishes, it can also add a unique touch to sweets.

Zeytinyal Ekmek (Olive Oil Bread)

This is a simple yet delicious bread that’s perfect for soaking up all the flavors of the dishes mentioned above. The olive oil adds a richness and depth of flavor that makes this bread irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 packet of instant yeast
• 1 cup of warm water
• 1/4 cup of olive oil

Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a greased baking sheet, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and bake the bread for about 30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.

Zeytinyal Pide (Olive Oil Flatbread)

This is a classic Turkish flatbread that’s perfect for serving with mezes or as a side dish. The olive oil adds a richness and depth of flavor that makes this bread irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 packet of instant yeast
• 3/4 cup of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece out into a thin circle. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook each flatbread for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Serve warm.

Zeytinyal rek (Olive Oil Pastries)

These pastries are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The olive oil adds a richness and depth of flavor that makes these pastries irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 packet of instant yeast
• 3/4 cup of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a small ball. Place the balls on a greased baking sheet, cover them with a clean towel, and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and bake the pastries for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Let them cool before serving.

Closing Thoughts

These traditional Turkish recipes with olive oil are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much more to explore in the world of Turkish cuisine, and I encourage you to dive in and discover it for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

So, why not challenge yourself to try one of these recipes this week? You might just discover a new favorite dish. And who knows, maybe you’ll even be inspired to create your own twist on a classic Turkish recipe. The possibilities are endless, and the journey is half the fun.

FAQ

Q: Can I use other types of oil instead of olive oil in these recipes?
A: While you can use other types of oil, olive oil is traditional and adds a unique flavor to these dishes. However, if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can experiment with other oils like sunflower or canola oil.

Q: Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians?
A: Yes, all the recipes mentioned are vegetarian-friendly. They rely heavily on vegetables, beans, and grains, making them a great option for vegetarians.

Q: Can I freeze any of these dishes?
A: Some of these dishes, like the Zeytinyal Fasulye and Zeytinyal Enginar, can be frozen. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers and thaw them properly before reheating.

Q: Where can I find high-quality olive oil?
A: High-quality olive oil can be found in specialty food stores, online retailers, or even local markets. Look for extra virgin olive oil, which is the highest quality and has the best flavor.

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