Turkish cuisine is a beautiful blend of tradition, flavor, and practicality. With roots in Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern traditions, it offers cooking techniques that are simple yet full of taste. For those living in Toronto / Ontario / Canada or anywhere else in the world, you can bring a piece of Turkey into your own kitchen with these traditional methods. At Mama Fatma, we stay true to these Turkish cooking techniques, and now, you can try them too. Let’s explore how you can replicate the heart of Turkish cooking in your home.
Sautéing With Olive Oil
Olive oil isn’t just a healthier option—it’s a cultural staple in Turkish kitchens. This method is particularly used in zeytinyağlı dishes, where vegetables are gently cooked in olive oil and served cold, highlighting freshness and natural flavor.
Bring It Into Your Kitchen:
Start with extra virgin olive oil and warm it gently over low to medium heat. Sauté chopped onions or garlic to create an aromatic base. Add vegetables like green beans, artichokes, or leeks, followed by a splash of lemon juice and a pinch of sugar to balance the taste.
Try making zeytinyağlı fasulye (green beans in olive oil)—a dish that truly captures traditional Turkish cooking techniques.
At Mama Fatma, our cold starters reflect this method, offering guests a fresh and wholesome start to their meal.
Grilling Meat The Turkish Way
Grilling is more than just a cooking method in Turkey—it’s part of the culture. From Adana kebab to köfte and chicken shish, grilled meat is central to the Turkish dining experience.
Recreate the Flavors at Home:
Marinate small meat pieces in a mixture of olive oil, yogurt, garlic, and spices like paprika, cumin, and oregano. Skewer the meat and let it rest for a few hours. Grill over medium-high heat until juicy and slightly charred.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the skewers—leaving space between pieces ensures even cooking.
Our grilled platters at Mama Fatma bring this time-honored approach straight to your table.
Using Tomato Paste In Everyday Meals
In Turkish cooking, domates salçası (tomato paste) is a key player. It’s used to deepen flavors and form the savory foundation of countless recipes.
Make It Work for You:
Warm the paste in olive oil to eliminate rawness and bring out its natural sweetness. Use this base in dishes like menemen (eggs with peppers and tomato) or etli kuru fasulye (beans with meat).
At Mama Fatma, rich tomato paste enhances everything from stuffed vegetables to meat stews.
It’s an easy step that makes an enormous difference in both color and taste.
Preparing Rice With A Crust
Known as pilav, Turkish rice is a staple—but not just any rice. The goal is a fluffy top layer and a crisp golden base known as tutmaç or tahdig.
Try This Classic Technique:
Rinse and drain the rice thoroughly. Toast it in butter or olive oil with a bit of orzo until golden. Add hot broth or water, cover, and simmer. Let it rest at least 10 minutes before serving. Flip the pot to reveal the golden crust.
We use this same method at Mama Fatma to ensure every serving of pilav is perfect.
It’s a side dish with star power, loved by both kids and adults.
Slow Cooking With Spices
Comfort dishes in Turkish cuisine often involve slow, layered cooking with spices. This allows every ingredient to release its full flavor.
Cook Like a Turkish Grandma:
Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Sauté onions and garlic, then add your choice of meat or legumes. Layer in spices such as pul biber, cumin, black pepper, and bay leaf. Simmer gently for hours.
At Mama Fatma, our stews cook low and slow, delivering deep flavor with every bite.
These are the traditional Turkish cooking techniques that evoke home, history, and heart.
How To Build A Turkish Meal From Scratch
A full Turkish meal offers a complete sensory experience. It’s about balance—hot and cold, crunchy and creamy, savory and sweet.
Plan Your Meal Like This:
Appetizers: Start with cold mezes like hummus, şakşuka, or cacık
Main Course: Choose grilled meats such as lamb shish or something stewed like et sote
Sides: Pair with pilav or warm pide
Salad: Try a crisp gavurdağı salad with pomegranate molasses
Dessert: Indulge in baklava or sütlaç, and don’t forget the Turkish tea
Want the real deal? Let Mama Fatma in Toronto / Ontario / Canada prepare it all for you.
At Mama Fatma, we bring this structure to life with every order—no shortcuts, just true flavor.
Mastering Turkish cooking techniques at home starts with a few trusted methods and a lot of heart. Whether it’s olive oil-sautéed vegetables or slow-cooked lamb stew, these traditions connect people across generations.
Simple ingredients. Timeless methods. And food made to be shared—Turkish cooking is all about turning everyday meals into lasting memories.