When the cold winds start to blow and the days grow shorter here in Toronto, Ontario, there’s a natural craving for warmth and comfort. We seek refuge not just in cozy blankets and crackling fireplaces, but also in food that nourishes our bodies and soothes our souls. While many cuisines offer hearty meals, Turkish cuisine is uniquely suited for winter. It’s a culinary tradition built on the principles of slow-cooking, rich spices, and dishes designed to be shared around a warm table.
At Mama Fatma, we’ve brought the very essence of this tradition to our restaurant in Mississauga. We believe that food should be an experience, a journey that transports you to a place of comfort and joy. This winter, let us show you why Turkish food is the ultimate remedy for the cold.
Warm Soups For Cold Nights
In Turkey, a steaming bowl of soup is more than just a starter; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s a way to warm up from the inside out and prepare your palate for the delicious feast to come. The variety of soups is a testament to their importance in Turkish dining, with each one offering a different kind of comfort.
The most iconic and beloved is Mercimek Çorbası (Lentil Soup). This isn’t your average lentil soup. It’s a velvety, smooth purée of red lentils, simmered with aromatic vegetables and a hint of mint. It’s often finished with a final drizzle of butter infused with paprika and dried mint, creating a vibrant red swirl on top that adds both flavor and visual appeal. It’s the perfect, wholesome remedy for a chilly evening.
For those with a more adventurous palate, there’s İşkembe Çorbası (Tripe Soup). While the name may sound unusual, this soup is a legendary Turkish comfort food. Known for its rich, garlicky broth and tender pieces of tripe, it is believed to be a restorative and warming dish, especially on a very cold night. It’s a staple in Turkish culture and a testament to the fact that the most comforting foods are often the ones steeped in tradition.
Don’t let the cold get you down! Start your meal the Turkish way. Our warm, delicious soups are waiting for you.
Slow-Cooked Stews And Meat Dishes
The heart of Turkish winter cooking lies in dishes that are patiently slow-cooked. The long, gentle simmering process allows flavors to deepen and meld, creating meals that are incredibly rich, tender, and satisfying. These are the dishes that fill a home with a savory aroma, promising a delicious and hearty meal.
One of the most impressive and delicious examples is Hünkar Beğendi (Sultan’s Delight). This dish truly lives up to its name. It features tender, slow-cooked lamb or beef stew, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, and served over a bed of creamy, smoky roasted eggplant purée. The smoky eggplant is the perfect canvas for the succulent meat, and the combination of textures and flavors is pure bliss. It’s a dish that feels both luxurious and deeply comforting.
Another classic is Kuru Fasulye (White Bean Stew). This is a staple in every Turkish household and a true embodiment of winter Turkish food. Made with plump white beans, tender pieces of meat (often lamb or beef), and a rich tomato and pepper paste sauce, it’s a hearty and rustic stew that is often served with a side of fluffy rice pilaf. It’s a wholesome meal that warms you to the core.
Finally, there’s Güveç, a slow-cooked stew made in a traditional clay pot. The clay pot seals in all the moisture and flavor, creating incredibly tender meat and vegetables that practically melt in your mouth. Whether it’s made with lamb, chicken, or a mix of vegetables, Güveç is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary with a little patience and a lot of love.
Why cook when you can enjoy perfection? Our chefs have spent years perfecting these recipes. Reserve your table today and let us serve you a truly unforgettable meal.
Hot Drinks Like Salep And Tea
The Turkish ritual of warming up with a hot drink is a perfect fit for a Canadian winter. These beverages aren’t just about hydration; they are about comfort, conversation, and a moment of peaceful reflection.
The most unique and perhaps most comforting of all is Salep. This creamy, fragrant drink is made from the flour of wild orchid tubers, hot milk, and sugar. It is traditionally served piping hot, dusted with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Salep has a distinctive, earthy flavor and a thick, velvety texture that is incredibly soothing on a cold day. It’s a sweet, wholesome Turkish hot drink that is a true winter delight.
And, of course, there is Turkish tea. While it is a year-round staple, its role in winter is particularly special. Serving a strong, hot cup of tea in a small, tulip-shaped glass is a way to warm your hands and your spirit. It’s an invitation to sit back, relax, and enjoy a quiet moment with a friend or a loved one. The act of sipping tea together is a beautiful continuation of the meal’s camaraderie.
Craving a cozy moment? Our hot drinks are the perfect way to warm up. Stop by and let us serve you a glass of tradition.
Desserts That Warm You Up
Turkish desserts offer a wide range of options, but some are particularly perfect for the colder months. These are desserts that feel wholesome and comforting, often made with ingredients that are in season during the winter.
Kabak Tatlısı (Pumpkin Dessert) is a prime example. This dish features large pieces of pumpkin, slowly cooked in a syrup until they are tender and translucent. It’s often served cold, but the richness of the pumpkin and the sweetness of the syrup feel incredibly comforting. It’s a great way to enjoy the seasonal flavor of pumpkin in a new and exciting way, often topped with crunchy walnuts and a drizzle of tahini.
Then there is Aşure (Noah’s Pudding). This legendary dessert is a sweet, wholesome mix of grains, chickpeas, beans, nuts, and dried fruits. Its variety of ingredients and textures makes it a delightful treat, and its rich, spiced flavor is incredibly warming. It’s a beautiful dessert that tells a story of unity and abundance, making it a perfect dish for a family gathering on a chilly night.
Finish your meal with a sweet hug! Our desserts are the perfect ending to a perfect winter evening.
Comfort Foods At Mama Fatma
You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to experience the warmth and comfort of winter Turkish food. At Mama Fatma, we have perfected these classic dishes so you can enjoy them with your family and friends.
Our Mercimek Çorbası is the perfect way to start your meal, warming you up before you dive into one of our famous slow-cooked stews. Our Hünkar Beğendi is a fan favorite, a dish that will transport you to a place of pure culinary bliss. We also serve a variety of other rich, savory meals that are perfect for the colder months.
And of course, we have all the delicious, warming drinks and desserts you need to complete your meal. Our authentic Turkish tea is always brewing, and we can’t wait to introduce you to the unique taste of Salep. Every single dish is made with fresh, halal ingredients and a lot of love.
This winter, let Mama Fatma be your haven from the cold. Come and experience the true warmth and hospitality of Turkish cuisine. We promise to serve you not just a meal, but a memory.
Ready to get cozy? Visit our restaurant in Mississauga and discover your new favorite winter comfort food. We can’t wait to welcome you to our table.