For over a year, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a major factor shaping our lives. This year again, the holy month of Ramadan began amidst pandemic days. Due to social distancing requirements and restrictions, we are not be able to invite friends or relatives during Ramadan. This means that this year, we will host the fast-breaking (iftar) and suhur only by ourselves, and it will be almost impossible to feel the large family-gathering atmosphere no matter how delicious the dishes we eat.
During Ramadan, not only do we change our eating and sleeping orders, but our body’s biological clock changes as well. We get dehydrated and hungry due to fasting. In Ramadan, in order not to feel weak, we have to get the amount of energy our metabolism needs. So we should eat foods rich in carbohydrates, minerals, protein, and vitamins and we should drink enough water. The eating routines we adopt during Ramadan are more important than usual days.
Last summer I made a list of Turkish dramas for Yabangee readers to watch while social distancing. In my piece today, I would like to make you feel not emotional but yummy as I share about delicious traditional Turkish cuisines with quite interesting names. While cooking and tasting new dishes during Ramadan, please do not forget to exercise to keep healthy.
Sandal Sefası
‘Sandal sefası’ literally means boat enjoyment. You can include sandal sefası on your menu to add stylish flourish to your table. It is a green squash dish that will whet your appetite with its remarkable flavor. Peel the green squash and cut them in half. In a bowl, mix the curd cheese with olive oil, finely chopped dill and parsley. Add the spices to the mortar. Fill this curd cheese mixture into the green squashes. Spread egg or yoghurt over them and bake in the oven.
Analı Kızlı Soup
‘Analı kızlı’ soup literally means with daughters and mothers. This soup is among the most well-known dishes in Southeastern Turkey, and popular in cities like Malatya, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep and Adana. The ingredients include meatballs, rice, chickpeas, and tomatoes. Analı Kızlı soup is served as a starter.
İmam Bayıldı
‘İmam bayıldı’ can be translated as the imam fainted. Imam Bayıldı is one of the most well-known Turkish olive oil dishes (Zeytinyağlı). Ingredients include olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, eggplants, onions, and pepper. You can prepare a stylish presentation with rice to serve beside imam bayıldı.
Hanım Göbeği
‘Hanım göbeği’ can be translated as lady belly. Hanım göbeği is a type of sweet pastry made from balls of choux pastry which are given a dimple, deep-fried, and then soaked in syrup. The syrup should be cold, and the baked dough you put in it should be hot. In order not to lose their crunch, you should serve them in syrup without waiting too much.
Vezir Parmağı
‘Vezir parmağı’ means Vizier’s finger. Vezir parmağı is a type of dessert. Semolina, egg, caster sugar, butter, lemon juice, almond, water, milk, and rose water are what you need to prepare this fascinating dessert. Although it is possible to prepare and serve it within an hour, if you are a fan of cold dessert, let it rest for another half an hour.
Gelin Çantası
‘Gelin Çantası’ most closely translates to bridal bag. This dessert is named after its shape. Making gelin çantası is similar to baking a cake, but in addition to the ingredients required for a cake, Chantilly crème is used in this dessert. Gelin çantası can be prepared one day before eating as there is no deterioration in its shape.
Kadınbudu Köfte
‘Kadınbudu Köfte’ literally means woman’s thigh meatball. Kadınbudu köfte is a classic Turkish dish originating in Sivas. It is mainly the combination of rice, eggs, flour, and meat. Resembling a woman’s thigh, you can easily see where the name originated. It goes quite well with french fries or mashed spinach.
Kol Böreği
‘Kol böreği’ literally means arm patty. It can be baked using different mixtures such as potato, cheese, spinach, or minced meat. It is shaped like a human arm so it has such a name. You will be happy to bring a magnificent flavor such as kol böreği – which we are used to eating in patisseries – to your kitchen.
Sultan Dudağı
‘Sultan dudağı’ means Sultan’s lip. Sultan dudağı is a classic Turkish dessert. The ingredients include olive oils, eggs, yogurt, flour, and vinegar. For the syrup, you will need sugar, water, and lemon juice. It is important to boil the syrup for ten minutes and then cool it thoroughly.
Kedi Batmaz
‘Kedi batmaz’ literally means the cat doesn’t sink. Kedi batmaz is a famous dessert in the Gerede region of Bolu city. What you need for making kedi batmaz are butter, molasses, water, dry phyllo dough, and walnuts. Kedi batmaz is one of the traditional desserts that has sunk into oblivion. Kedi batmaz can be made in two types, either with sugar or with salt. Kedi batmaz has a very soft consistency and can be easily swallowed without chewing.
Any other dishes with interesting names that would be perfect for Ramadan? Please let us know in the comments.
This article was originally published on April 19, 2021, by contributor Begüm Burak and is updated for relevance to Ramadan 2023.
