Turkish cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients. One of the most popular dishes is Turkish karniyarik, a savory eggplant dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. As someone who has enjoyed trying this delicious dish, I can attest to its unique and satisfying flavor profile.
Karniyarik is a traditional Turkish dish that translates to “split belly” in English. This dish is made by cutting eggplants in half and stuffing them with a mixture of ground meat, onions, tomatoes, and spices. The eggplants are then roasted until they are tender and the filling is cooked to perfection. The result is a mouth-watering dish that is both filling and flavorful.
If you’re looking to try something new and exciting, karniyarik is worth a try. It’s a staple in Turkish cuisine and for good reason. The combination of tender eggplant and savory meat filling is a match made in heaven. So why not give it a try and experience the delicious flavors of Turkish cuisine for yourself?
One day, while having lunch with my client at a Middle Eastern restaurant in San Francisco, I ordered a dish called Turkish Karniyarik from the menu. After a little while, a nice waitress brought it to our table. The dish looked delicious and smelled amazing. I couldn’t wait to taste it.
During our meal, one of the customers accidentally spilled a drink on another customer, causing some commotion in the restaurant. The waiters quickly helped to clean up the customer and the commotion eventually settled.
After finishing our meal, I requested the recipe from the restaurant chef, who kindly agreed to give it to me. The recipe contained the following ingredients: eggplants, olive oil, onion, cumin, bell pepper, ground beef, garlic, tomatoes, kosher salt, black pepper, parsley, water, and tomato paste.
I was excited to try making this dish at home and share it with my family and friends.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to pairing Turkish karniyarik, there are many delicious options to choose from. Here are a few suggestions that I personally enjoy:
- Garlic Sauce: A creamy, garlicky sauce is the perfect complement to the rich flavors of karniyarik. You can either make your own or buy it pre-made from the store.
- Rice: A simple side of rice is a classic pairing with karniyarik. The rice helps to soak up all the delicious juices and flavors from the dish.
- Turkish Salad: A fresh and light salad is a great way to balance out the richness of karniyarik. Try making a simple salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and parsley, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, are a great way to add some extra flavor and nutrition to your meal. Plus, they pair perfectly with the Mediterranean flavors of karniyarik.
- Yogurt: A dollop of plain yogurt on top of your karniyarik can help cool down the dish and balance the spices. Plus, it adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the meat and vegetables.
Overall, many different dishes can pair well with this dish. Whether you prefer something light and fresh or rich and indulgent, there’s a pairing out there that’s perfect for you.
Ingredients:
- 5 medium-sized (similar in size) eggplants
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 medium chopped onion
- 1 tsp of ground cumin
- 1 medium-sized seeded and chopped bell pepper
- 1/2 lb ground beef, 80/20
- 4 cloves of thinly chopped garlic
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes, you’ll need more to garnish on top
- 1/2 tsp of kosher salt, you’ll need more for seasoning the eggplants belly
- 1/4 tsp of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of chopped Italian parsley you’ll need more as a garnish
- 1 cup of hot water
- 1 tbsp of tomato paste
How to make Turkish karniyarik?
Roasting the eggplants
- Heat up the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, cover a baking sheet with foil.
- Take a fork and make 7-10 holes in each eggplant.
- Next, put them on the baking sheet we got ready earlier and bake for about 50 minutes up to an hour. Remember to flip them a couple of times so they cook evenly.
- When they’re finished cooking, grab them from the oven and let them cool down on the countertop.
Making the meat sauce
- Put some oil in a big frying pan and heat it on medium.
- Next, toss in the onion, cumin, pepper, and beef into the pan. Keep stirring it all for about 10 to 12 minutes while it cooks.
- Mix in the garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds.
- Then, throw in the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let it bubble up on medium heat, then lower the heat a bit and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the meat’s cooked through. Give it a taste to check if it needs more seasoning, and add some if it does.
- Finally, take it off the heat and mix in a cup of chopped parsley.
Assembling
- Mix the tomato paste and water in a measuring cup.
- Put the roasted eggplant in a big baking dish. It might be snug, but that’s fine.
- With a knife, carefully make a small cut on the bottom side of each eggplant. Sprinkle a bit of salt inside each cut (use about 1/2 teaspoon of salt in total).
- stuff each eggplant’s cut with the meat mix, letting it overflow a bit from the cut.
- Use a spoon to pour the tomato sauce and water mix over the stuffed eggplant. Put about 2-3 tablespoons of the mix on each eggplant, then pour the rest into the bottom of the baking dish.
- For a nice touch, cut a big tomato (or two small ones) into 6 thin slices. Put a few slices on top of each eggplant.
- Cover it up with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, take off the foil and bake for an extra 10 minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top and serve.
By following these simple steps, you can make delicious karniyarik at home.
Common Variations
When it comes to Turkish karniyarik, there are a few common variations that you might come across. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Vegetarian Karniyarik: Instead of stuffing the eggplant with ground meat, some recipes call for stuffing it with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. This variation is perfect for vegetarians or those who are looking for a meatless option.
- Lamb Karniyarik: While the traditional recipe calls for ground beef, some people prefer to use lamb instead. Lamb has a stronger flavor and a slightly different texture, which can add a unique twist to the dish.
- Cheese Karniyarik: For a twist on the classic recipe, some people stuff the eggplant with a mixture of feta cheese, parsley, and garlic. This variation is perfect for cheese lovers and adds a tangy, salty flavor to the dish.
- Spicy Karniyarik: If you like your food with a bit of a kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture before stuffing the eggplant. This variation adds a bit of heat and can be adjusted to your personal taste.
Overall, there are many different ways to make karniyarik, and each variation offers a unique twist on the classic recipe. Whether you prefer a meatless option or a spicy kick, there’s a karniyarik recipe out there for everyone to enjoy.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Karniyarik
As someone who has made karniyarik multiple times, I have learned a few tips and tricks to ensure a perfectly cooked and delicious dish. Here are some of my recommendations:
- Choose the right eggplant: Look for eggplants that are firm and shiny with smooth skin. Avoid those with bruises or soft spots. The size of the eggplant is also important. Choose medium-sized ones that are not too big or too small.
- Salt the eggplant: Before cooking, sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will draw out any bitterness and excess moisture from the eggplant, making it more tender and flavorful.
- Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs for the filling. This will give the dish a bright and vibrant flavor. Also, be sure to chop the ingredients finely so that they cook evenly.
- Season well: Season the filling with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra spice if you like it spicy.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make a delicious and authentic karniyarik that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
Conclusion
I must say that after making Turkish karniyarik, I am thoroughly impressed with the dish. The combination of eggplant, ground beef, and tomato sauce is simply delicious. The flavors blend perfectly, creating a savory and satisfying meal.
One thing that stood out to me was the texture of the eggplant. It was soft and tender, yet still held its shape. The ground beef was well-seasoned and added a nice depth of flavor to the dish. The tomato sauce tied everything together and provided a slight sweetness that complemented the other flavors.
Overall, I highly recommend trying Turkish karniyarik if you haven’t already. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of eggplant or not, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this traditional Turkish dish.
As mentioned above, rice pairs perfectly with this dish.
Here is one recommended recipe – click the image below:
