Collard Greens Soup (Karalahana Çorbası)

The apartment that I lived in Ankara was on the first floor of one of those old 4 story buildings with just two apartments on each floor and a back yard that the residents didn't care about. A month after the move I remembered there was a back yard and looked over to check it out. Among the things that you can find in the back yards of apartment buildings in Turkey are gazebos, junk, flower beds, people playing "okey," a tile-based game...

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Baked Halva with Carrots (Güveçte Havuçlu Helva)

A couple of years ago there were quite a number of fisherman boats tied at the Yenikoy coast in Istanbul serving as seafood restaurants. Although those floating restaurants had limited menus, they served the freshest and by far the cheapest seafood, the best salads (especially Tuana), and surprisingly simple yet delicious desserts (Takanik was the #1 when it came to desserts). All those boat restaurants moved tot the land after the ban;...

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Beet Salad with Yogurt (Yoğurtlu Pancar Salatası)

A popular appetizer / meze for Turkish brandy, rakı and red meat, and a very common winter salad. 2 medium size beets1 cup yogurt (better to use strained yogurt)1 clove of garlic, minced1 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp finely chopped dill or 1 tbsp basil flakessalt and vinegar to taste-Wash beets well, cut the stems, and boil them for ~25-30 minutes until cooked.-When they cool down, peel and grate them. (While doing so, use an apron and gloves if you wish...

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Leeks with Stew Beef (Etli Pırasa)

Although the most popular way to prepare leeks is in olive oil (a vegetarian recipe served lukewarm or cold), leeks with ground meat or with stew beef are also widely enjoyed winter dishes.3 leeks, washed and cut in 1/2 inch rounds1/2 lb or more stew beef (some people like cooking leeks with lamb)1 onion, diced2 carrots, cut in half rounds2 tbsp olive oil2 tbsp lemon juice1 tbsp dill, finely chopped1 tsp dry rosemary1 1/2 cup watersalt-Heat olive...

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