How to Make Turkish Green Pepper Dishes

Turkish cuisine offers a delightful array of flavors, and one of the star ingredients is the Turkish green pepper, known locally as "şalgham biberi." These peppers are not only vibrant in color but also pack a unique taste that enhances various dishes. Here’s how to make delicious Turkish green pepper dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

1. Sautéed Turkish Green Peppers

This simple dish showcases the natural flavors of Turkish green peppers.

Ingredients:

  • 500g Turkish green peppers
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onion and sauté until transparent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
  4. Chop the Turkish green peppers into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pan.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, then stir well.
  6. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This dish can be served as a side or a vegetarian main course, making it a versatile addition to your meal.

2. Stuffed Turkish Green Peppers (Biber Dolması)

Stuffed green peppers are a classic Turkish dish that combines flavor and tradition.

Ingredients:

  • 6 large Turkish green peppers
  • 1 cup rice
  • 200g ground beef or lamb (optional)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • Lemon slices for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Start by cooking the rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
  3. In a pan, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add the ground meat and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
  5. Carefully hollow out the Turkish green peppers and stuff them with the rice mixture.
  6. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and add water or broth to cover the bottom of the dish.
  7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
  8. Serve with lemon slices for a fresh twist.

3. Turkish Green Pepper Salad

This refreshing salad is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 4 Turkish green peppers
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Grill or roast the Turkish green peppers until the skin is charred. Let them cool, then peel off the skin and slice them.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal.