Turkish Delights: More than a ‘döner’ kebab
July 12th 2008 12:19
Turkish cuisine is synonymous for many with the revolving ‘döner’ kebab, but it is so much more. Ottoman and thus Turkish cuisine is the product of centuries of culinary refinement, much in the Empire’s palace kitchens in Istanbul. From conquered lands near and far the finest ingredients were sourced and incorporated into dishes, some of which have survived to this day while others have been left to become a mere mention on a feast menu or entry in a centuries old cookbook.
Turkish cuisine today boasts incredible regional variety. From the north to the south, east to west ingredients and recipes, preparation and cooking methods vary. From an olive and rice based west to an animal fat and bulgur based east, an artichoke laden north-west to a pistachio drenched south-east, food and culinary culture is rich and diverse.
Food is fresh and seasonal. Just walking along the stalls of the local markets tells you which month it is, what is going out, what is coming in. Smallish pale cherries give way to big fat crimson globes then yellow and sweet at the same time as the honourable sour cherry. It must be July! At the same time the fresh vine leaves have become large and coarse, their veins prominent and their flesh thick as linen instead of supple silk. It must be July!
Stay in touch to travel along this journey through the centuries of one of the world's best cuisines.
Turkish cuisine today boasts incredible regional variety. From the north to the south, east to west ingredients and recipes, preparation and cooking methods vary. From an olive and rice based west to an animal fat and bulgur based east, an artichoke laden north-west to a pistachio drenched south-east, food and culinary culture is rich and diverse.
Food is fresh and seasonal. Just walking along the stalls of the local markets tells you which month it is, what is going out, what is coming in. Smallish pale cherries give way to big fat crimson globes then yellow and sweet at the same time as the honourable sour cherry. It must be July! At the same time the fresh vine leaves have become large and coarse, their veins prominent and their flesh thick as linen instead of supple silk. It must be July!
Stay in touch to travel along this journey through the centuries of one of the world's best cuisines.
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