Where would Turkish cuisine be without its darling: Natural yoghurt? Turkish yoghurt recipes galore!
We’ve rounded up our list of Turkish yoghurt recipes in the list below.
Smooth, Thick & Creamy
Thick süzme yoghurt (süzme means strained) with its wonderful, smooth, thick and creamy texture is the absolute best as far as we’re concerned.
Even though we’d been on holiday to Fethiye a few times previously, when we first moved here, we were astounded at the size of the yoghurt pots for sale in the shops and supermarkets.
Astounded at the huge plastic ‘bins’ in the chest fridges of the Fethiye markets – being sold by the weight; mountainous scoops of thick, plain yoghurt being dolloped into tubs for waiting customers.
What on earth were people using all that yoghurt for?
Needless to say, it didn’t take us long to realise that yoghurt – süzme yoghurt in particular – plays a central role in Turkish cuisine.
It’s used in many different ways. And we’re also now part of the crew who buys yoghurt by the tubload.
There’s always some süzme yoghurt in our fridge!
How Is Yoghurt Used In Turkish Cuisine?
Here, you’ll see why Turkish people buy yoghurt by the literal bucket load. It really is a staple ingredient.
- There are numerous Turkish yoghurt recipes that are also popular dips and meze dishes (small plates to share) both in Turkish restaurants and in home cooking.
These make use of dried and fresh herbs (often fresh dill), lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and cooked and raw vegetables.
- It’s used as a bed on top of which other ingredients nestle. And it’s also a topping. A creamy Turkish yoghurt topping for sıcak ot (sauteed herbs) is essential.
- And it’s also a central ingredient in main dishes and desserts – mixed with other ingredients to create some of Turkish cuisines most famous dishes. Or used as an accompaniment to meat dishes.
And let’s not forget the famous Turkish mantı. Delicious with oodles of yoghurt!
- It’s a drink and a spreadable dip: Of course, there’s also the famous Turkish yoghurt drink, ayran, too! Thick Turkish yoghurt watered down to a thinner consistency make a drink.
In contrast, the thick consistency of süzme Turkish yoghurt can be strained even further and used to make a spreadable dip – labne.
You can find our ayran recipe – and other Turkish yoghurt recipes – in the list below.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Yoghurt?
It’s easy to see why natural yoghurt is so widely eaten in this part of the world.
We’re not nutritionists. But you can find out more about the health benefits of yoghurt in its natural form.
When you buy Turkish yoghurt – or Greek yoghurt – make sure it is completely natural and free from any sugars or artificial flavourings.
If you do this, you could benefit in the following ways:
- A boost in important nutrients such as calcium and B vitamins
- It is high in protein
- A boost in digestive health
- It might strengthen your immune system
- It could benefit heart health
- It can help to promote weight management
Our Turkish Yoghurt Recipes
Naturally, over the years, we’ve experimented with various Turkish recipes and that means süzme yoghurt has become a central part of our diet.
Here’s our list of Turkish yoghurt recipes that we’ve added to the blog. And no doubt this list will continue to grow because, believe us, this isn’t a complete collection.
If you don’t have access to Turkish süzme yoghurt, you can use good quality, thick Greek yoghurt instead.
Let’s begin with a selection of yoghurt meze plates…
Haydari Recipe – Classic Turkish Yoghurt Dip
Check out this recipe
Cacık Recipe – Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber Dip
Check out this recipe
Atom Meze Recipe – Turkish Yoghurt Dip With Chilli
Check out this recipe
Turkish Carrot & Garlic Yoghurt Dip – Sarımsaklı Yoğurtlu Havuç Salatası
This Turkish yoghurt recipe is a favourite with many. If you like, stir in a bit of fresh dill at the end to add a bit of extra texture and flavour to your carrot and garlic yoghurt dip.
Check out this recipe
Pembe Sultan – Turkish Beetroot & Yoghurt Dip
Check out this recipe
Baba Ganoush Recipe – Yoghurt & Aubergine Salad
There are lots of variations in the ingredients for baba ganoush as it is enjoyed in countries around the Middle East. This is a light summer Turkish version.
Check out this recipe
Samphire & Yoghurt Recipe (Geren)
Geren is a perfect addition to your summer meze table. Creamy yoghurt mixed with samphire (deniz börülcesi) gives a crunchy taste of the sea.
Check out this recipe
And then we also have the Turkish yoghurt recipes where the yoghurt is used as a topping or a drizzle.
Turkish Spinach Borani Recipe
Check out this recipe
Turkish Cabbage Rolls Recipe – Etli Lahana Sarması
These meaty Turkish cabbage rolls are the perfect, comforting cold weather winter dish. Seasonal cabbage wraps your tasty meat and rice mixture before being drizzled in a richly-flavoured sauce. The drizzle of yoghurt sauce before eating makes all the difference, boosting the flavours.
Check out this recipe
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Two Ways
Check out this recipe
Fried Chayote Recipe
This fried chayote recipe – known in Turkey as Rodos Kabağı – is a perfect Turkish snack for sharing with friends. The yoghurt dip adds an extra dimension.
Check out this recipe
Roasted Cauliflower With Yoghurt Dip
This healthy Turkish roasted cauliflower with yoghurt dip recipe makes a great addition to your winter meze table or it’s a perfect snack while watching a good film.
Check out this recipe
Süzme yoghurt at its ultimate ‘süzme’ level.
Use it to make your own homemade labneh – a delicious spreadable dip that you can also add other flavours to.
Homemade Labneh Recipe
Labneh is versatile, creamy yoghurt cheese that makes a perfect spread or dip for your meze table, breakfast table or for a quick, healthy snack. Store as a spread or create labneh balls for individual servings.
Check out this recipe
Turkish yoghurt recipes where the yoghurt is an essential ingredient in a dish are plentiful.
Sometimes, the yoghurt is right there on the plate whilst in others, it’s incorporated and you wouldn’t even know it was an ingredient.
Ali Nazik Kebab Recipe
Check out this recipe
Iskender Kebab Recipe
Check out this recipe
Turkish Potato Cake – Patatesli Kek
Check out this recipe
Revani Recipe – Zesty Turkish Semolina Cake
Revani is a Turkish semolina cake, drenched in syrup & filled with zesty flavour. This is a revani recipe with yoghurt which makes for a softer, lighter sponge.
Check out this recipe
Çılbır Recipe (Turkish Poached Eggs With Yoghurt)
Check out this recipe
One of the most simple Turkish yoghurt recipes also happens to make a delicious drink…
How To Make Ayran
This homemade ayran yoghurt drink is creamy & frothy. It’s a great cooling summer drink but you can drink it all year round.
Check out this recipe
As we said, this list of Turkish yoghurt recipes will continue to grow, but for now…
Afiyet Olsun!