In this episode, I prepared a meal that brings the warmth of Turkish home cooking to the table in just 30 minutes. Beginning with a comforting tarhana soup, I then cooked a flavorful leek dish with ground beef, letting the flavors blend perfectly. To keep it wholesome, I made whole wheat spaghetti coated in a rich tomato paste sauce, ensuring a satisfying bite. As a side dish, I decided to take out the pickled cabbage I had made before, which adds the perfect tangy contrast.
And of course, no meal is complete without dessert—so I prepared a simple yet delicious fig pudding, known in Turkish as incir uyutması. This 2 ingredient treat is as easy as it is traditional. Every ingredient comes together effortlessly, making this a must-try for anyone who loves a good homemade dish.
Ingredients for Leek and Ground Beef Dish
- Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a pot to start the dish.
- Add 200gr. ground beef and cook until browned.
- You can add 1 onion for extra flavor, but it’s optional.
- Chop 400–500gr. leeks, leaving most of the green part left out after being scaled.
- Slice 1 carrot; it’s optional, but I would suggest adding it for sweetness.
- Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and 1/2 tbsp pepper paste for a rich taste.
- Mix in 2 tbsp rice, which makes the dish more filling.
- Season with salt, ground black pepper, and hot red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Pour enough hot water to cover everything and let it simmer.
- Cook until the leeks and carrot are soft and well blended with the flavors.
- Meanwhile, prepare the whole wheat spaghetti as a side dish.
- Boil 500gr. whole wheat spaghetti in salted water.
- In a pan, melt 2 tbsp butter with 4 tbsp olive oil for extra richness.
- Add 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook it slightly for a deeper flavor.
- Drain the pasta and mix it well with the sauce.
- Serve the leek dish hot, paired with the spaghetti for a wholesome meal.
- This recipe takes just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy days.
- If you like spicy food, increase the hot red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- The combination of ground beef, leeks, and tomato paste creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Enjoy this warm, Turkish-style meal with your family!
| Ingredient | Quantity | Optional |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | No |
| Ground beef | 200gr | Yes |
| Onion | 1 (chopped) | Yes |
| Leeks | 400-500gr | No |
| Carrot | 1 (sliced) | Yes |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp | No |
| Pepper paste | 1/2 tbsp | No |
| Rice | 2 tbsp | No |
| Salt | To taste | No |
| Ground black pepper | To taste | No |
| Hot red pepper flakes | To taste | No |
| Hot water | Enough to cover | No |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Leek and Ground Beef Dish
- Clean the top and bottom parts of the leeks, peel off one layer, and cut them into 1 cm thickness. In the meantime, heat olive oil in a wide big pan and brown the ground beef. If you prefer, you can skip adding meat and make it vegan. For an extra tasty touch, chop an onion and add it before the leeks.
- Once the ground beef is totally browned, add tomato and red pepper pastes, then continue to saute for about 2 minutes. Next, toss in the washed and drained rice, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring.
- Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black peppers to enhance the flavor. Pour half a cup of hot water, close the lid, and let it cook with steam for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, add more water until it reaches halfway up the dish. Lower the heat and continue to cook with the lid closed until the veggies become soft. Let the dish rest for 20 minutes before serving and enjoy!
“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.”
Tarhana Soup – A Traditional and Comforting Starter
Tarhana soup is a traditional Turkish soup made from fermented grains and yogurt, offering a tangy and hearty flavor. To prepare it, mix tarhana powder with warm water until dissolved, then cook it in a pot with olive oil, tomato paste, and hot water, stirring until it thickens. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect start to any meal.
Pickled Cabbage – A Tangy and Refreshing Side
Pickled cabbage adds a refreshing contrast to the warm and hearty dishes in this meal. Made by fermenting shredded cabbage with salt and vinegar, it develops a tangy and slightly crunchy texture. This simple yet flavorful side dish enhances the overall dining experience, balancing the richness of the leek dish and spaghetti with its zesty kick.
Fig Pudding (İncir Uyutması) – A Simple and Naturally Sweet Dessert
This 2-ingredient dessert is one of the easiest and healthiest traditional Turkish sweets. It is made by blending dried figs with warm milk, then letting it rest until it naturally thickens. There’s no need for extra sugar, as the natural sweetness of figs makes it rich and satisfying. This pudding is a great way to end the meal on a light and nutritious note.
Serving Ideas and Customization Tips
To elevate this 30-minute Turkish meal, consider serving it with fresh bread or a dollop of yogurt on the side. If you like more spice, increase the amount of hot red pepper flakes in the leek dish. For a vegetarian version, simply skip the ground beef and use chickpeas or lentils instead. These small adjustments allow you to tailor the meal to your taste while keeping it authentic and delicious.
“Cooking is not just about feeding the body, but also nourishing the soul.”
Frequently Asked Questions About This Turkish-Style Meal
What makes this Turkish-style leek dish unique?
This dish blends the mild sweetness of leeks with the richness of ground beef and the depth of tomato and red pepper pastes, creating a well-balanced and flavorful meal.
Can I make this dish without meat?
Yes! You can skip adding meat and make it vegan. Replacing ground beef with chickpeas or lentils is a great way to keep the dish hearty and nutritious.
How do I prepare leeks for this dish?
You need to clean the top and bottom parts, peel off one layer, and cut them into 1 cm thickness before cooking.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The dish is seasoned with red pepper flakes, salt, and black peppers, which enhance the flavor and give it a subtle heat.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! While carrots are optional, you can also add bell peppers, potatoes, or zucchini for more texture and flavor.
How long does this meal take to cook?
The entire meal, including preparation and cooking, takes around 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick and easy option.
What side dishes pair well with this leek dish?
You can serve it with whole wheat spaghetti, pickled cabbage, fresh bread, or a dollop of yogurt for extra flavor and balance.
What is the best way to enhance the flavor?
For an extra tasty dish, add onions before the leeks and use quality olive oil. Cooking the ingredients slowly also helps blend the flavors better.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat due to red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount according to your preference.
Conclusion
This quick and flavorful 30-minute Turkish meal brings together a perfect balance of warmth, tradition, and nutrition. From the comforting tarhana soup to the hearty leek and ground beef dish, complemented by tangy pickled cabbage and wholesome whole wheat spaghetti, every bite is a celebration of authentic flavors. Finishing with the naturally sweet fig pudding, this meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a wholesome homemade feast, this combination of dishes showcases the beauty of simple, yet deeply flavorful Turkish cuisine. Enjoy sharing this delicious experience with loved ones!
Chef Ceren Narin is a passionate food lover and traveler dedicated to sharing authentic Turkish cuisine. As the founder of TurkishYum.com, she explores traditional flavors, recipes, and culinary heritage, bringing the magic of Turkey’s food culture to your kitchen.