Plov is the national dish of Uzbekistan and the Uzbek word for the famous rice dish called pilaf or pullao. It is of great importance to the nation's history, tradition, and culture. Over fifty versions of the recipe exist, some of them even 10 centuries old, but to make the best-known version, the first step is to make zirvak, a base consisting of seasoned carrots, onions, and meat saut&eacute;ed in fat. Once the base is done, rice is added in a layer over the previously saut&eacute;ed ingredients, topped with water, and everything is simmered until the rice is fully cooked. A vast array of ingredients can be added to plov such as meat, vegetables, and fruit.

Plov

Pulled beef brisket

Türkiye

D&ouml;ner kebab is a delicacy that is known throughout the world, consisting of grilled pieces of meat that are shredded from a vertical skewer. The meat is typically seasoned with fresh herbs and spices. Originally, the meat used in d&ouml;ner was exclusively lamb, but today in Istanbul, there are kebabs prepared with a combination of lamb and beef, or sometimes only with beef. Meat that is grilled vertically on a skewer isn't a new thing, as it has been mentioned in the 18th-century Ottoman travel books. The sandwich form d&ouml;ner kebab, which means rotating kebab, appeared in the early 1970s in Berlin. It is believed that Kadir Nurman was the first to place the shaved pieces of meat into a flatbread and serve it with vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cucumbers, and a squirt or two of sauce, unlike before, when the ingredients were served on a plate. Along with many of the Turkish variations on d&ouml;ner kebab, there are also numerous other regional variations in countries such as Armenia, Vietnam, Austria, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

Döner kebab

Buuz is a traditional and Buryatian steamed dumpling filled with meat such as beef or mutton. The meat is usually seasoned with salt, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. The dumplings are prepared in large quantities and are consumed throughout the year, although buuz is the most popular during Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian New Year festivity which usually takes place in February. Buuz is characterized by a small opening on its top, and it is often eaten by hand. Traditionally, the dumplings are served with fried bread, dipping sauces and salads on the side, while it is recommended to pair them with beverages such as vodka or tea.

Buuz

During Ottoman era, &ccedil;ilbir was simply the generic term for poached eggs prepared in a variety of ways. Over centuries, as the imperial cooks were improving different recipes, this particular variation supposedly became a favorite of the early 20th-century sultan Abdul Hamid II. The recipe became the gold standard across the empire, and even today &ccedil;ilbir stands for poached eggs doused in garlic-flavored yogurt. The dish is sprinkled with red pepper flakes and ground paprika, and typically served sided with pide bread.

Çilbir

Kahvaltı refers to breakfast in Turkish, and it's an essential and often lavish meal in Turkish culture. The word "kahvaltı" is derived from two words: "kahve" (coffee) and "altı" (under/before), which translates to "before coffee." It's a meal that traditionally happens before coffee is consumed, as in the Ottoman times, coffee was considered a beverage to be enjoyed after meals rather than during or before them. Traditional Turkish kahvaltı showcases an expansive array of dishes, typically blending a multitude of flavors, textures, and food categories. The table is adorned with both sweet and savory items, spanning cheeses, olives, vegetables, local breads, eggs, b&ouml;rek, baklava or other sweet pastries, and more, accompanied by hot beverages such as Turkish tea (&ccedil;ay). It is celebrated for its diversity, abundance, and the act of bringing individuals together, often extending for several hours, particularly during weekends and holidays.

Kahvaltı

H&uuml;nkar beğendi is a traditional dish consisting of a flavorful lamb stew that is served on top of a creamy roasted eggplant pur&eacute;e. The pur&eacute;e is often thickened with milk and cheese, while the whole dish is sometimes topped with a tomato-based sauce or garnished with freshly chopped parsley. It is believed that the dish is native to Istanbul and was first prepared for the wife of Napoleon III in the late 19th century.

Hünkar beğendi

France

Canard &agrave; la presse, also known as pressed duck, is a traditional dish that is known for its unique and elaborate preparation. It's a specialty of French cuisine, particularly associated with the Parisian restaurant La Tour d'Argent. The dish usually uses a specific type of duck, often from a particular breed known for its rich flavor. The duck is partially roasted. The most distinctive feature of this dish is the use of a special press. After the duck is partially roasted, certain parts (like the breast and legs) are set aside. The remaining carcass, containing the liver and other internal parts, is placed in a specially designed silver press. This press is used to squeeze out the blood and other juices from the carcass. The extracted juice is then cooked with ingredients like duck stock, wine, and seasonings to create a rich, flavorful sauce. This sauce is typically thickened and enriched with butter. The reserved parts of the duck (breast and legs) are then sliced and served with the sauce.

Canard à la presse

Patlıcan Dolması, or Stuffed Eggplant, is a cornerstone of Turkish cuisine, a dish that transforms the humble eggplant into a masterpiece of flavor and texture. 'Dolma' comes from the Turkish verb 'doldurmak' (to fill), and this category of stuffed vegetables is beloved across the entire Mediterranean and Middle East. However, the Turkish version, particularly the one using dried eggplants (kuru patlıcan dolması), holds a special place in the hearts of gourmets. In the summer, small, varied eggplants are hollowed out and strung up to dry in the sun, preserving them for winter use. When rehydrated, these skins develop a unique, slightly chewy texture and a concentrated earthy flavor that fresh eggplants cannot match.

The filling is typically a savory mixture of rice, ground meat (usually lamb or beef), onions, garlic, tomato paste, and a generous amount of dried mint, sumac, and pomegranate molasses (nar ekşisi). The sourness of the pomegranate molasses combined with the savory meat and spices creates a perfect balance. For a vegetarian version (Zeytinyağılı), the meat is omitted, replaced by more onions, currants, pine nuts, and allspice, and the dish is served cold or at room temperature.

Patlıcan Dolması is usually cooked in a pot, tightly packed together to ensure they hold their shape, often alongside stuffed dried peppers. They are simmered in a savory broth until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded.

Serving this dish is a celebration of tradition. It is often accompanied by a dollop of thick yogurt, which provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced dolma. Whether found in a home kitchen or a traditional 'esnaf lokantası' (tradesmen's restaurant), Patlıcan Dolması is a testament to the Turkish culinary philosophy of patience and preservation.

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Gamze's Favorite Foods

Plov

Pulled beef brisket

Döner kebab

Buuz

Çilbir

Kahvaltı

Hünkar beğendi

Canard à la presse

Patlıcan dolmasi

Kolla

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