Turkish Mezze Cooking Class, Kuzguncuk, Istanbul

The wonderful view from the apartment

Claudia, who blogs as A Seasonal Cook in Turkey, gave a small group of us a really fun class on how to cook, and prepare, a selection of Turkish Mezzes. The venue was perfect. It was a professional kitchen in Kuzguncuk, with an amazing view of the Bosphorus.

There was a wonderful array of pots, hanging from the ceiling

Claudia, addressing the class

Turkish mezzes are the starters and appetisers brought out at the beginning of the meal. It is usual to start with cold mezzes and then continue on to hot mezzes. They are often so varied, and so delicious, that I find it difficult to manage the main meal afterwards!

We diligently followed Claudia's instructions

Claudia, with her finished dishes,

Of course, we couldn't resist taking photos, before eating them all!

Here are the mezzes we made:

Zeytinyagli Barbunya - Borlotti Beans in Olive Oil

Cevizli Sarimsakli - Courgettes with walnuts in a garlic yoghurt sauce

Zeytinyagli Yaprak Sarma (Yalanci) - Vine Leaves Stuffed with Rice, Pine Nuts, and Currants

Cacik - Yoghurt with Cucumber and Garlic

Semizotu - Purslane in a garlic and youghurt sauce

Patlican Biber Tavasi Yogurtlu Sarimsakli ve Domataes Sauslu - 

Fried Aubergine and Green Peppers with Garlic Yoghurt and Tomato Sauce

Gavurdgi Salatasi - Turkish Tomato Salad with Walnuts and Cumin

Thank you, Claudia for helping us to prepare such a delicious lunch.

Elizabeth Coughlan