Burcu’s Kitchen

10/30/2026

Turkish Meatball Soup
Ingredients
Meatballs: ½ lb ground beef, 1 grated onion (squeezed dry), salt, pepper, paprika
Soup: 1 red bell pepper (diced), 2 small green peppers (diced), 1 tbsp tomato paste, ½ cup crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp butter, 6 cups water, ½ cup small pasta (like orzo or egg noodles), juice of ½ lemon, fresh parsley
Instructions
Prep Meatballs: Mix ground beef, grated onion, salt, pepper, and paprika. Roll into marble-sized balls and dust lightly with flour.
Brown & Sauté: Heat a splash of oil in a pot and brown the meatballs. Add the diced peppers, butter, and tomato paste; cook for 2 minutes until soft.
Simmer: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and 6 cups of water. Cover partially and simmer on medium-low for 15 minutes.
Finish: Add the pasta and cook until tender (7–8 minutes). Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley, then serve hot, Afiyet Olsun! Source:Ferahkitchen

10/21/2026

Fall recipe 🍁in 20-Minute Creamy Turkish Pumpkin Soup (Bal Kabağı Çorbası)
This authentic Turkish recipe uses a savory twist of garlic, cumin, and warm paprika butter. It is velvety, sweet-savory, and incredibly quick.
• Ingredients:
• 2 lbs pumpkin or butternut squash cubes
• 1 yellow onion and 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• The Flavor: 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 2 tbsp butter
• To Serve: Standard Greek yogurt and lemon wedges.
• Simple Steps:
1. Sauté: Boil the pumpkin, onion, garlic, cumin, and broth in a pot for 15–20 minutes until the veggies are completely soft.
2. Blend: Puree everything directly in the pot using an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
3. The Polish: Melt your butter in a tiny pan, stir in the paprika for 10 seconds until sizzling, and drizzle it over your soup bowls. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a squeeze of fresh lemon.Afiyet olsun!

05/26/2026

Günaydın! Craving a taste of Mediterranean comfort food? 🇹🇷✨
You don't need a bakery or hours in the kitchen to make authentic Turkish pastry. This “Tavada Peynirli Börek “ is a crispy, savory cheese pie made right on the stovetop using simple grocery store ingredients. It features a golden, flaky crust with a beautifully soft, melted cheese center. Perfect for your next weekend brunch! 🍳🥂
🍳 Tavada Peynirli Börek (Pan-Seared Cheese Pastry)
Ingredients:
Pastry: 6–8 sheets of Phyllo Dough (thawed) + 1 tbsp butter for the pan.
Liquid Sauce: 1/2 cup milk, 1 egg, 4 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (whisked together).
Filling: 1 cup crumbled Feta cheese + 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella (highly recommended for that perfect cheesy stretch!) + 1/4 cup finely chopped Fresh Parsley (optional, for a fresh herb flavor).
Quick Instructions:
Layer: Grease a 10-12” non-stick skillet with butter. Lay down 2 sheets of phyllo, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush with the liquid sauce.
Fill: Crinkle 3-4 more sheets inside the pan, brushing sauce between layers. Spread the cheese (and optional parsley) mixture evenly on top.
Fold: Fold the hanging edges back over the cheese. Place 1-2 final sheets on top, pour the remaining sauce over everything, and let it soak for 5 minutes.
Sear: Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 8–10 minutes until the bottom is golden. Flip using a flat plate, and sear the other side uncovered for 6–8 minutes until crispy.
Slice it like a pizza and serve warm. Enjoy! Afiyet olsun!

04/11/2026