Ozlem's Turkish Table

Hünkar Beğendi; Sultan’s Lamb Stew Over Smoked Aubergine and Béchamel Sauce

Ozlem Warren — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:10:49 +0000

Hunkar Begendi, from Istanbul cookery book, image by Sam A Harris This classic lamb stew, served over a smoky aubergine (eggplant) purée in a béchamel sauce, dates to the Ottoman period, and is still an iconic dish enjoyed in İstanbul today. The story goes that when Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, visited the Topkapı Palace as a guest of Sultan Abdülaziz, the Palace chefs learned…

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Şekerpare; Tender Semolina Cookies in Syrup

Ozlem Warren — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:45:58 +0000

Sekerpare cookies from Istanbul cookery book. Image by Sam A Harris. These moist, grainy cookies are one of the most popular sweets in Türkiye, often served on special days and at religious festivities and are offered in pastanes, patisseries, restaurants for daily enjoyment in İstanbul. Meaning ‘a piece of sugar or sweet’ in Old Turkish, they are of Persian and Indian origin and first appeared…

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Süzme Mercimek Çorbası; Red Lentil Soup with Carrots and Potatoes

Ozlem Warren — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:33:17 +0000

Mercimek Çorbası is my family’s favourite soup and it can probably lay claim to being the nation’s too. The version found most commonly in İstanbul is made purely with lentils, puréed to a smooth consistency but, like my mother, I add carrots and potatoes to mine as I always have a few that need using. The pul biber-infused olive oil adds another layer of flavour and a gentle heat.

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Yengen Tost; Toastie with Cheese, Sucuk, Tomato and Pickles

Ozlem Warren — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:18:51 +0000

Yengen toasties from Istanbul cookery book, image by Sam A Harris Turks are huge lovers of tost. It is our all-day snack, and you will be offered it at every café and tostçu (a sort of toaster maker hut), as well as on the vapur (ferries) cruising between the European and Asian sides of İstanbul, along with a glass of çay (Turkish tea). This Yengen Tost, also known as karışık tost…

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Fırın Mücveri – Baked courgettes with feta, herbs

Ozlem Warren — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:55:24 +0000

I love our crispy mücver fritters, though I equally enjoy this easy baked version, from my new cook book ISTANBUL; it is packed full of flavour, freshness and lighter too. My dear mum, Gülçin, made this often for us when I was growing up; it suited our busy weekday suppers perfectly in Istanbul, now it is a regular feature in my home too. They are softer in texture (sort of like a crustless…

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Beetroot with Olives, Toasted Hazelnuts and Pul Biber Oil

Ozlem Warren — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:26:13 +0000

I am excited to share with you, one of my favourite recipes at my new cook book, ISTANBUL – it is Beetroot with Olives, Toasted Hazelnuts and Pul Biber Oil, Zeytinli, Fındıklı, Pul Biber Soslu Pancar. Everyone I serve love this, even dear Nigella Lawson is a fan. Beets with toasted hazelnuts, olives, pul biber oil from Istanbul cookery book, image by Sam A Harris We love pancar (beetroot)…

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Cheat’s Yağlama; Layered flatbreads with meat sauce and garlic yoghurt

Ozlem Warren — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:23:29 +0000

Yağlama is a delicious and important specialty from Kayseri, central Anatolia. This lovely dish consists of layering the soft flat breads, with a juicy meat sauce between each layer. Once stacked on top of another, it is quartered and served with garlic yoghurt. It makes an impressive and delicious meal share with friends and family. I love making my own soft flatbreads for yağlama (see…

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İzmir Köfte; Turkish meatballs with potatoes, tomatoes, peppers

Ozlem Warren — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:11:39 +0000

I love the simplicity and comforting taste of İzmir köfte. Traditionally, the köftes, meatballs and thin wedges of potatoes are first lightly fried, then cooked with tomatoes, sivri biber (our green pointy peppers) in a rich tomato sauce. The result is a comforting, all in one pot deliciousness; the meatballs melt in the mouth and potatoes soak up the delicious juices of the casserole.

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Some of my favourite things do to in İstanbul

Ozlem Warren — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:09:27 +0000

I am often asked to recommend places to visit in İstanbul. It is a fascinating city with so much to see and enjoy, not least the captivating historical sites of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern (one of my personal favourites). If you enjoy modern art, İstanbul Modern is well worth a visit. Whatever you decide to do, may I suggest you don’t overcrowd your days and…

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Soğan Dolması – Stuffed onions with aromatic rice and meat

Ozlem Warren — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:41:35 +0000

This soğan dolması is one of the easiest and tastiest dolmas you can make. I used a mixture of red and yellow medium to large onions, they look so pretty and taste delicious, though you can use either. Baking brings extra natural sweetness to the onions and a touch of tangy pomegranate molasses in the filling adds a delicious tang. I used ground/minced lamb in the filling – you can use other meat…

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