Authentic Turkish Casserole & Oven-Baked Meat Dishes | Istanbul Food Tour

ground meat

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: lentils

Lentils provide protein at a lower cost.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable.

eggplant

🥗Healthier: mushrooms

💰Cheaper: cabbage

Cabbage is less expensive and adds bulk.

chickpeas

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans save time and money.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Dice the eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, potatoes, and onion into bite-sized pieces.

Minced the garlic finely and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the diced eggplant and cook for another 5 minutes until slightly softened.

Stir in the zucchini, bell pepper, and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Add chopped tomatoes, chickpeas, and ground meat if using, mixing well.

Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaves, stirring to combine.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: