Taze fasulye yahni is a wholesome Turkish stew , with green beans, potatoes and carrots in a rich tomato and onion sauce. Pronounced 'tah-zeh fah-sool-yeh yah-nee', it is similar to bezelye yahni (Turkish pea and tomato stew) as the sauce is made slightly tangy from the addition of lemon juice. However, it's less sweet as the beans provide a gentle, earthy flavour. Olive oil is a key ingredient as it adds depth to the stew and gives the sauce a silky texture. Taze fasulye yah

In Greek, kleftiko literally means ‘thief’. This peculiar name originates from stories of thieves that would steal lambs or goats from farmers’ flocks in the mountains. They would slow-cook their meat for hours in sealed underground pits to avoid getting caught. In Turkish, the dish is called hırsız kebabı (which similarly means 'kebab of thieves’) or fırın kebabı (meaning 'oven kebab'). In Cyprus, there are popular restaurants peppered around the island that make the dish in

Fasulye salatası is a classic Turkish cannellini bean salad that is often enjoyed as a refreshing meze, side dish or light lunch. Pronounced 'fah-sool-yeh sah-lah-tah-suh', the generous use of extra virgin olive oil adds earthy flavours that perfectly balance the creamy cannellini beans. The lemon juice in the dressing gives a zesty kick that along with the fresh chopped parsley lift the dish and provide vibrant Mediterranean flavours. The key to preparing fasulye salatası i

Enginar dolması (en-gee-nahr dohl-mah-suh) is a wonderful traditional Cypriot dish to eat. The minced beef and lamb, tomato, onions and herbs in the filling work together to create rich flavours, while a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice balances the earthiness of the artichokes. We also add rice to the filling to give it texture and hold it together, making it easier to scoop out with a fork as you eat. We use a mix of minced beef and lamb for a richer flavour, but you

Barbunya salatası is a vibrant Turkish red kidney bean salad that's packed full of Mediterranean flavours. Pronounced 'bar-boon-yah sah-lah-tah-suh', the delicate and slightly nutty red kidney beans are perfectly balanced by the sweet and tender carrots. The garlic, lemon and parsley infused dressing is simple, but adds a distinct fresh and earthy aroma that lifts the dish for a bright and zesty salad. It is great served with fırın makarna or patates köftesi but can be eate

Etli dolma (eht-lee dohl-mah) is a delicious dish of stuffed vine leaves with a minced beef, tomato, onion and herb filling. The addition of lemon juice, parsley and mint provide vibrant fresh flavours that balance the rich meat and earthy onions. The word dolma is used to describe any Turkish dish involving stuffing, from stuffed artichokes to courgette flowers. In Greece, stuffed vine leaves are called dolmades, while Greek Cypriots call them koupepia. However, they are all

Mücendra pilavı is a comforting green lentil and onion rice dish that’s enjoyed across the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. The fried onions bring a beautiful aroma, while the lentils add an earthy, buttery flavour and firm texture that balances perfectly with the fluffy rice. Pronounced 'moo-jen-drah' in Turkish, it has various names depending on the region. These include mujadara, mujaddara and moujadara  -  but they all describe variations of the same beloved dish.