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

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

Bamya is a comforting Cypriot okra stew that's full of flavour. The tender okra are slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce that's sweetened by the generous addition of fried sliced onions. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a gentle tang that balances the sweetness, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil provides an earthy depth and silky texture. We also add some ground black pepper for a hint of warmth. We make our bamya with green okra, which is the variety that's mos

Taze börülce ve kabak salatası is a popular summer salad in Cyprus, made when black-eyed beans and Cyprus marrow are in abundance. In the UK, both vegetables can be found in Turkish and Greek grocery stores when in season. The Cyprus marrow pieces are slightly sweet and soft, contrasting beautifully with the firm yet tender beans and their earthy flavour. A lemon and olive oil dressing brightens and balances the dish as it soaks into the marrow. The salad can be eaten warm,

Ispanak yemeği is a hearty and nutritious Turkish stew . The generous addition of garlic and onions provides a wonderful aroma to the rich tomato sauce, balancing the mild, earthy flavours of the spinach (ıspanak - 'uh-spah-nak'). The köfte (beef meatballs) are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, including fresh parsley, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, ground cumin and ground black pepper. This combination lends sweet and earthy flavours, as well as a gentle warmth tha

Pazılı kuru börülce salatası (louvi in Greek) is a staple Cypriot salad that is best enjoyed when fresh chard is in season. It brings together the delicately earthy, creamy and nutty flavours of dried black-eyed beans (kuru börulce - 'kuh-ruh buh-rool-jeh') with the mellow, mildly earthy-sweet flavours of chard (pazı - 'pah-zuh'). The salad is brightened with a simple dressing of extra virgin olive oil blended with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Pazılı kuru börülce

Our hummus recipe is super creamy, healthy and delicious. Its blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice provides a rich blend of nutty, earthy and tangy flavours. The key ingredient in our recipe is ground black pepper, which adds a subtle touch of warmth and spice - perfect for a summer barbecue or a light lunch with fresh, warm flatbread for dipping. Although hummus has its origins in the Middle East, it has been deeply embraced in Turkish and Cypriot cu

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

Semizotu salatası, or purslane salad , is a delight to eat. Purslane has a fresh, tangy flavour with subtle lemony notes that blend beautifully with chopped tomatoes, cucumber and aubergine. The leaves are tender, plump and succulent, providing a unique texture that pairs perfectly with the other vegetables. We use a vinegar and olive oil dressing that enhances the brightness of the purslane - though you can also use lemon juice instead of vinegar if you prefer citrus flavour

Pazılı kuru bakla salatası is a vibrant and healthy Turkish salad . The dried broad beans (kuru bakla - 'kuh-ruh bahk-lah') have a creamy texture and a rich, earthy, nutty flavour with a subtle sweetness, similar to that of chickpeas. The beans are perfectly balanced by the mellow, mildly earthy-sweet flavours of chard and lifted by the lemon and olive oil dressing. The salad is best made when chard is in season. We use a green chard variety from Cyprus, which is available

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

Fasulye salatası is a classic Turkish cannellini bean salad that is often enjoyed as a refreshing meze, side dish or light lunch....

Cacık is a refreshing Turkish yoghurt dish that is often served as part of a meze (appetizer), as a side dish , or enjoyed on its own with bread for dipping. Pronounced 'jah-juk', it's simple to make and combines creamy yoghurt with grated or chopped cucumber, garlic, dried mint and a drizzle of olive oil. With the cooling flavours of cucumber and mint, it is usually served in the summer, but can be eaten year round. You can coarsely grate the cucumber or finely slice it depe

Pancarlı patates salatası is a vibrant and hearty Turkish Cypriot salad with earthy and refreshing flavours. Pronounced 'pahn-jar-luh pah-tah-tess sah-lah-tah-suh', it brings together tender boiled Cyprus potatoes and sweet beetroot to create a contrast in taste and colour. The salad is dressed with a light and tangy mix of extra virgin olive oil, malt vinegar and a hint of freshly chopped garlic which work well together to enhance the flavours of the vegetables. Dried mint

Barbunya salatası is a vibrant Turkish red kidney bean salad that's packed full of Mediterranean flavours. Pronounced 'bar-boon-yah...