Anatolia: Adventures in Turkish Eating Cookbook Review

Anatolia: Adventures in Turkish Eating

In this week’s cookbook review, we bring you another book dedicated to the rich and exciting Turkish cuisine. Anatolia: Adventures in Turkish Eating is a richly illustrated, entertaining, and informative exploration of the cooking culture of old and new Turkey.

In this book, Somer Sivrioglu and David Dale reveal the tales, tricks, and rituals that enliven the Turkish table, and offer advice on how and where to enjoy classic Turkish treats as well as the great wines of the land where Bacchus was born.

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Nothing Better Than a Good Story

Every dish tastes better when it comes with a good story, and Turkish people have known this for centuries. Which is why you can find dishes with names such as “The Priest Fainted,” “The General’s Command,” and “Noah’s Ark Pudding.” Turkish cuisine is full of story, flavor, and colors, which makes it one of the most interesting cuisines in the world.

In Anatolia: Adventures in Turkish Eating Somer Sivrioglu re-imagines the traditions of his homeland.  Presenting recipes ranging from the grand banquets of the Ottoman empire to the spicy snacks of Istanbul’s street stalls. The book features more than 100 dishes, and images of the recipes are complemented by specially commissioned photographs shot on location in Turkey, with spreads on local artisans and producers and their specialties.

More than a cookbook, Anatolia: Adventures in Turkish Eating it’s a travel guide, narrative journey, and richly illustrated exploration of a 4,000-year-old cooking culture.

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A Culinary Journey

Anatolia: Adventures in Turkish Eating is arranged in a format that follows a typical Turkish day of eating. It begins with Breakfast including simple breads and food on the go. Most of the courses will be small. A dish of olives, a few slices of watermelon, a pot of rose jam, and bread rolls in various shapes.

It then moves on to Lunch with light meals and kebabs. Next up is Afternoon Tea with recipes for pastries, treats, and Turkish coffee. If you have a sweet tooth like the average Turk, this chapter will be a delight.  Here you’ll find recipes like Tradicional Pistachio Baklava, Ottoman Donuts and Turkish Delight.

And of course, Mezze with lots of sharing plates and tasters. Every great food culture has a tradition of small tasting plates served with a national drink, and Turkey is not an exception. Finally, there are Dinner recipes that range from traditional to modern evening dishes.

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Final Thoughts

Anatolia: Adventures in Turkish Eating is a fabulous cookbook that captures the essence of Turkish cuisine. With a refreshing charm and authenticity, this book takes us to the heart of a cuisine that is still evolving after 4000 years. If you love Turkish cuisine as much as we do, or if you want to know more about it we definitely encourage you to take a look at this book.