Çakıstes (cracked green olives) are a common sight at a Cypriot dinner table, as they go perfectly with any yahni (stew) , along with fresh spring onions and bread. They’re also perfect as part of a meze or breakfast spread. Cypriot green olives are harvested in the autumn months and are traditionally prepared with the cracking method, where a stone is used to split the skin of each olive without removing the pit. The cracked olives are then soaked in fresh water for several

Molohiya, also known as molokhia, mulukhiyah, or jute mallow, is a vibrant green leafy vegetable . Pronounced ' moh-loh-hee-yah', i ts leaves are used in a variety of dishes in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines. Cypriots use the dried leaves to make a hearty stew which shares the name of the vegetable. In villages, it’s a common summer evening activity to gather with friends and family to strip leaves from freshly picked plants while sharing gossip ov

Dolma (dohl-mah) is the word used to describe any stuffed dish in Turkish cuisine, from stuffed artichokes to courgettes, peppers and onions. It usually refers to dishes that involve hollowing out vegetables for stuffing. Fillings generally fall into meat-based ( etli dolma ) or vegetarian types where rice is the main ingredient, with both using a variety of herbs to add flavour. Yalancı ('yah-lahn-juh') dolma is the name of the vegetarian version of stuffed vine leaves (y a

Yumurtalı ıspanak is perfect as a light brunch and is quick and easy to make with its simple ingredients. This recipe features mature Cypriot spinach (ıspanak - 'uh-spah-nak') that is mild in flavour and less bitter than other varieties. It pairs perfectly with the crispy fried beaten eggs and savoury flavours of the black olives. Ground black pepper brings a hint of warmth, while a generous squeeze of fresh lemon adds a bright, tangy edge to the dish. We traditionally serve

Gömeç salatası is a light and healthy Cypriot salad . Mallow leaves (gömeç - ' gyuh-mech') have a mild, slightly earthy flavour similar to that of chard, but the leaves are silky in texture and the stalks are firmer. The salad is dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil, so as not to overpower the mild flavours. You can also add chopped garlic to the dressing for a bolder flavour. Wild mallow leaves grow all over the countryside in Cyprus during early spring, with locals

Yumurtalı gömeç ve patates is a simple and delicious Cypriot dish, ideal for a quick, light lunch. Mallow leaves (gömeç - 'gyuh-mech') have a mild and earthy flavour that is similar to chard, but with firmer stems when fried. Like yumurtalı ıspanak , this dish is simply seasoned with salt and ground black pepper for a hint of warmth. The difference is the addition of fried potatoes which add richness. Both vegetables pair perfectly with the crispy fried eggs and black olives.