Cultural Cuisine Project: Exploring Turkish Cuisine

Research on Traditional Turkish Cuisine

Introduction to Turkish Cuisine: Turkish cuisine is rich and diverse, influenced by the
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian culinary traditions. It features a variety of
dishes made with fresh ingredients, including vegetables, meats, grains, and spices.

Key Elements:

 Staple Ingredients: Olive oil, yogurt, lamb, chicken, fish, eggplant, tomatoes, rice,
bulgur, and a wide range of herbs and spices.
 Common Dishes: Kebabs, mezes (appetizers), dolmas (stuffed vegetables), and
baklava (dessert).
 Cooking Methods: Grilling, baking, braising, and stewing.

Selected Dish: Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

Recipe and Instructions:

Ingredients:

 1 cup red lentils

 1 large onion, finely chopped
 1 large carrot, finely chopped
 1 large potato, finely chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 2 tablespoons olive oil
 1 tablespoon tomato paste
 1 teaspoon cumin
 1 teaspoon paprika
 6 cups water or chicken broth
 Salt and pepper to taste
  Lemon wedges (for serving)
 Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
Chop the onion, carrot, and potato finely.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the
chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for
another minute.
3. Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped carrot and potato to the pot and cook for about
5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Incorporate Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, and paprika.
Cook for a couple of minutes to let the flavors blend.
5. Cook the Lentils: Add the rinsed lentils and water or chicken broth to the pot. Bring
to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until
the lentils and vegetables are tender.
6. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you
don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular
blender.
7. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with lemon wedges
and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Reflecting on the Experience:

Flavors and Ingredients:

 Flavors: The soup has a rich and hearty flavor, with a slight tanginess from the lemon.
The spices add warmth without being too overpowering.
 Ingredients: Common, easily accessible ingredients that are staple in Turkish cuisine.
Lentils provide a great source of protein and fiber.

Cultural Significance: Turkish Lentil Soup is a beloved comfort food in Turkey, often
served as a starter in meals. It's nutritious, easy to prepare, and reflects the resourcefulness of
Turkish home cooking, making use of simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying
dish.

Photos:

 (Take photos of each step of the cooking process and the final dish. Include these
photos in your notebook alongside your written reflections.)