Vegetarian Turkish Pide

Vegetarian Turkish Pide Recipe - A Delicious Meat-Free Option from Turkey

Region / culture: Turkey | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vegetarian Turkish Pide is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for those looking for a meat-free alternative to traditional Turkish cuisine. This recipe combines the rich flavors of TVP, spinach, feta cheese, and aromatic spices to create a satisfying and nutritious meal.

History

Turkish Pide is a popular dish in Turkey, traditionally made with a thin crust and various toppings such as meat, vegetables, and cheese. This vegetarian version of Turkish Pide offers a unique twist on the classic recipe, providing a tasty and healthy alternative for those looking to enjoy the flavors of Turkish cuisine without the meat.

Ingredients

1 cup of Sanitarium tvp
1 tbsp of olive oil
1 diced onion
170 ml of hot water
1 Turkish pide or focaccia
2 tsp of ground cumin
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
2 tbsp of currants
2 tbsp of extra water
2 cups of shredded English spinach
80 g of crumbled feta cheese
1 tbsp of pine nuts
0.33 cup of tomato paste

How to prepare

Combine textured vegetable protein (TVP) and hot water, cover and set aside.
Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan.
Sauté the onion until golden.
Add the cumin, cinnamon, currants, pine nuts, TVP and extra water.
Cook for 2 minutes.
Spread pide with tomato paste and top with shredded spinach, TVP mixture and feta cheese.
Bake for 15 minutes or until crisp and golden, then slice.

Variations

For a vegan version of this dish, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. You can also customize the toppings to include your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavors of this dish, be sure to sauté the onions until they are golden brown to bring out their natural sweetness. Additionally, to ensure that the pide is crispy and golden, bake it in a preheated oven at a high temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Vegetarian Turkish Pide with a side salad of fresh greens and a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Vegetarian Turkish Pide is to ensure that the crust is crispy and the toppings are well-cooked. Be sure to bake the pide in a hot oven to achieve the perfect texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have TVP on hand, you can substitute it with cooked lentils or chickpeas for added protein. You can also use different types of cheese or nuts based on your preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the TVP mixture and toppings in advance and assemble the pide just before baking to save time. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Vegetarian Turkish Pide on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of sumac for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of Turkish tea or a refreshing glass of Ayran, a traditional Turkish yogurt drink. You can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables or olives for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pide in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 320

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fats

Total Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Proteins

Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.

Alergens

Contains dairy (feta cheese) and nuts (pine nuts).

Summary

This Vegetarian Turkish Pide is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Vegetarian Turkish Pide is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a meat-free meal. With a crispy crust, savory TVP filling, and creamy feta cheese, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. I was on a trip to Turkey, exploring the bustling streets of Istanbul and sampling all the delicious foods the country had to offer. As a lover of cooking and trying new dishes, I was in heaven.

One day, while wandering through the winding alleys of the Grand Bazaar, I stumbled upon a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant that seemed to be buzzing with locals. Intrigued, I decided to pop in and see what all the fuss was about.

As soon as I stepped inside, the aroma of fresh herbs and spices hit me like a wave. The place was packed with people chatting and laughing, and the sound of sizzling pans filled the air. I knew I had stumbled upon something special.

I found a small table in the corner and ordered the vegetarian Turkish Pide, a traditional dish that I had never tried before. When it arrived at my table, I was blown away by the sight of the golden-brown crust, topped with a colorful array of vegetables and herbs. I took my first bite and instantly fell in love.

The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before – savory, tangy, and incredibly satisfying. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

After finishing my meal, I approached the chef and asked if he would be willing to share his recipe with me. To my delight, he agreed and invited me into the kitchen to watch him work his magic.

As I stood by his side, he walked me through each step of the process, from preparing the dough to layering on the toppings. I watched in awe as he skillfully stretched the dough into long, boat-shaped ovals and loaded them up with a colorful mix of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs.

As the pides baked in the oven, the chef shared stories of his family and the traditions that had been passed down through generations. He spoke of how food was a way to bring people together, to create memories and nourish the soul.

By the time the pides were ready, I felt like I had been transported to a different world – a world where food was more than just sustenance, it was a celebration of life and love.

I thanked the chef profusely for his generosity and headed back to my hotel, eager to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. Over the next few days, I practiced tirelessly, tweaking the recipe here and there until I felt like I had truly captured the essence of that magical meal in Istanbul.

Now, whenever I make vegetarian Turkish Pide for my friends and family, I am transported back to that tiny restaurant in the Grand Bazaar, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of Turkey. And with each bite, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring joy to the present.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of Turkey, just whip up a batch of my vegetarian Turkish Pide and let the flavors transport you to a world of warmth and wonder. I promise you won't be disappointed. Bon appétit!