Greek and Turkish cuisines have so much in common, sharing dishes that are full of fresh seasonal ingredients, rich flavors, and comforting aromas. From savory stuffed grape leaves to indulgent baklava, these Mediterranean recipes reflect a beautiful blend of two neighboring cultures. Here, you’ll find a collection of favorite dishes that are loved by both Greek and Turkish kitchens—simple, delicious, and perfect for bringing people together around the table.
Imam Bayildi
Imam Bayildi (Vegetarian Stuffed Aubergine) is a vegetarian dish made with aubergines cooked in a generous amount of olive oil and then stuffed with a mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic. Its roots go back to the Ottoman Empire era when Greek and Turkish people used to live together.
To learn more: Imam Bayildi
Baklava
Baklava is a very popular syrup-soaked dessert dating back to the Ottoman Empire. Although Greeks and Turks have their versions of baklava recipes, they all consist of four basic ingredients: Filo pastry, butter, nuts, and syrup.
To learn more: Easy Pistachio Baklava
Yaprak Sarma
Yaprak Sarma (or Dolmades) is a vegetarian dish that is popular both in Turkey and Greece. It is made from grape leaves stuffed with aromatic rice, fresh Mediterranean herbs, and spices.
To learn more: Stuffed Grape Leaves
Cacik - Tzatziki
Cacik is a delicious and refreshing yogurt dip made with cucumbers, yogurt, and herbs. It is very easy to prepare, ready in just 10 minutes and only needs a few fridge ingredients. This wonderful Mediterranean sauce is similar to its Greek cousin known as "Tzatziki".
To learn more: Cacik - Turkish Yogurt Dip
Stuffed Cabbage Leaves
Lahana Dolmasi or Lahanodolmathes is a flavourful cabbage dish made of cabbage leaves filled with spiced meat and bulgur or rice mixture.
There are many variations of stuffing you can use for the stuffed cabbage rolls. This simple version is made with minced meat, bulgur, and warm spices.
To learn more: Stuffed Cabbage Leaves
Revani - Semolina Cake
Revani - Semolina Cake is a popular Mediterranean dessert made with semolina flour, sugar, and eggs, soaked with orange-flavored syrup, and then cut into diamonds or squares. Turkish Revani and Greek Ravani are both popular desserts with similar ingredients and preparation methods, but there are notable differences between them.
To learn more: Revani - Turkish Semolina Cake
Papoutsakia - Pabucaki
Aubergine Papoutsakia (or Patlıcan Pabucaki) is a delightful vegetarian stuffed aubergine dish from Greek and Turkish cuisine. While it traditionally includes ground meat stuffing similar to Greek Moussaka (Musaka), I prefer this vegetarian version as a lighter option, especially during the summer.
To learn more: Papoutsakia
Moussaka
Moussaka is a casserole dish made with layers of aubergine and/or potatoes topped with ground meat in tomato sauce. Unlike the Turkish Moussaka, the Greek version of this aubergine dish has also potatoes and is topped with a cheesy béchamel sauce. It surely is the ultimate comfort food!
To learn more: Moussaka
Pita Bread
Homemade Pita Bread is a soft and delicious pocket-less flatbread perfect for serving your favorite Mediterranean dishes. They are freezer-friendly and the dough can be prepared ahead.
To learn more: Pita Bread
Izmir Kofte - Soutzoukakia
Izmir Kofte is a traditional dish made with lightly fried meatballs and vegetables baked in tomato sauce. The dish originated in the city of Izmir, located on the western coast of Turkey, and is also known as Smyrna Meatballs or Soutzoukakia in Greek cuisine.
To learn more: Izmir Kofte
Courgette Fritters
Courgette Fritters are small vegetable pancakes made with courgettes, eggs, flour, spring onion, and fresh herbs.
You can serve them as an appetizer, finger food, or even as a light lunch along with a bowl of Greek Cucumber Salad.
To learn more: Mucver - Courgette Fritters
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