How to Make Quick and Delicious Turkish Fast Food at Home

Turkish cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and unique cooking techniques. If you're looking to whip up some quick and delicious Turkish fast food at home, you're in for a treat. Below, we've outlined various dishes that are easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.

Kebabs: The Turkish Staple

Kebabs are perhaps the most iconic Turkish fast food. To prepare a simple version at home, you'll need:

  • 500g ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and form them into small patties or elongated shapes on the skewers. Grill them on a barbecue, in a grill pan, or in the oven until cooked through. Serve with pita bread, fresh tomatoes, and parsley for a quick meal.

Pide: The Turkish Pizza

Pide is a type of Turkish flatbread that can be topped with various ingredients. For a speedy version, use store-bought flatbreads or pizza bases. You'll need:

  • Flatbreads or pizza bases
  • 200g ground meat (beef, lamb, or chicken)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 200g shredded cheese
  • Spinach or other greens (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Cook the meat and onions in a pan until browned, then season. Spread the mixture on the flatbreads, top with bell peppers, cheese, and greens, and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Slice and serve hot.

Börek: Savory Pastry Delight

Börek is a flaky pastry filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. For a quick version, use phyllo dough. Ingredients include:

  • 1 package of phyllo dough
  • 200g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Chopped parsley (optional)
  • Butter or olive oil for brushing

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Layer a few sheets of phyllo on a baking tray and brush with melted butter or olive oil. Spread the cheese mixture on one edge, then roll it up into a spiral or bend it into a shape. Brush the top with the egg wash and bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.

Şalgam: Traditional Turkish Drink

No Turkish meal is complete without beverages, and Şalgam is a popular choice. You can easily make this refreshing drink by following these steps:

  • 1 liter of water
  • 200g turnips, grated
  • 50g bulgur
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Black pepper and lemon juice to taste

Mix all the ingredients in a jar and let it sit for a few days in the fridge. Once fermented, strain the liquid and serve chilled. It's a healthy and probiotic-rich drink that complements your meal perfectly.

Dessert: Baklava Bites

For a sweet finish, consider making mini baklava bites using store-bought phyllo dough:

  • 1 package of phyllo dough
  • 100g crushed walnuts or pistachios
  • 100g butter, melted
  • 100g sugar
  • 150ml water
  • Honey or syrup for drizzling

Layer several sheets of phyllo on a baking tray, brushing each layer with melted butter. Sprinkle the nuts between layers, then cut into squares. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden. In a separate pot, boil sugar and water until dissolved, then drizzle over the warm bak