For those on a vegetarian or vegan diet, Turkish cuisine is certainly one of the most accommodating in existence! There are so many vegetable plant-based dishes that are delicious just the way they are. While meat is only eaten on special occasions or when hosting guests, Turkish families often have vegetable and bean dishes throughout the week. Vegetarian and vegan dishes include salads, soups, olive oil-based dishes, mezes, and grain salads, all perfectly flavoured and seasoned with fresh herbs and spices.
Some examples of such dishes are:
Zeytinyağlı Yaprak Sarma – grape leaves carefully wrapped around a mixture of rice, currants and sauteed onions, cooked in olive oil and enjoyed with a drizzle of lemon juice.
Zeytinyağlı Enginar – artichoke hearts cooked to perfection and served with olive oil and lemon juice preserve.
Barbunya or pinto beans – a dish that is filling and tasty and a true comfort food. Cooked in an onion and tomato sauce with olive oil, Barbunya can be enjoyed on its own, with rice or as a meze.
Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye – a true classic dish of fresh green beans braised in a rich tomato and onion sauce and olive oil. It is enjoyed all day every day across Türkiye both as a hearty meze or main dish.