Milk Street Television Season 2 Episode 19 Everyday Turkish Favorites

In season 2, episode 19 of Milk Street Television, titled "Everyday Turkish Favorites," host Christopher Kimball and chef Rocco DiSpirito take viewers on a culinary journey to Turkey. Inspired by the country's rich culinary history and vibrant ingredients, Kimball and DiSpirito showcase a range of traditional Turkish dishes that are simple enough to make at home.

The episode begins with a visit to a spice market in Istanbul, where Kimball and DiSpirito explore the colorful array of spices that are essential to Turkish cuisine. They then head off to a local bakery, where they sample freshly baked simit bread, a ring-shaped bread sprinkled with sesame seeds that is a popular street food in Turkey.

Back in the Milk Street kitchen, DiSpirito begins by demonstrating how to make a Turkish bulgur salad, a refreshing dish that combines cooked bulgur wheat with tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and mint. He also prepares a savory lentil soup, a classic Turkish dish that is flavored with onions, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes.

Next, DiSpirito turns his attention to kebabs, a staple of Turkish cuisine. He demonstrates how to make lamb kebabs with a spicy marinade of tomato paste, minced garlic, and paprika. He also prepares a chicken kebab, marinated in a blend of yogurt, lemon juice, and cumin.

For a sweet finish, DiSpirito makes a decadent chocolate and hazelnut baklava, a classic Turkish dessert that is often served with strong Turkish coffee. He demonstrates how to layer phyllo dough with a rich mixture of chocolate and hazelnuts, bake the baklava to a golden brown, and drench it in a sweet syrup made from honey, lemon juice, and orange blossom water.

Throughout the episode, Kimball and DiSpirito share tips and tricks for maximizing flavor and simplifying preparation, making it easy for viewers to recreate these delicious Turkish dishes at home. With its focus on everyday Turkish favorites, season 2, episode 19 of Milk Street Television offers a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary treasures of this fascinating country.