halal Archives - Sultan Ahmet

Lamb Chops: A Culinary Masterpiece

Posted on September 15, 2023September 15, 2023 by sultanahmet

Our Lamb Chop BBQ Dinner is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Turkey. Each bite of these perfectly grilled lamb chops offers a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Here’s why they are a standout dish on our menu:

Quality Matters

We believe in sourcing the finest ingredients, and our lamb chops are no exception. We select the highest quality halal cuts of lamb, ensuring that the meat is tender and full of flavor. This dedication to quality shines through in every bite.

Marinated to Perfection

The secret behind the mouthwatering taste of our lamb chops lies in our special marinade. We infuse the meat with a blend of traditional Turkish spices and herbs, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, creating a delicious and aromatic experience.

Grilled to Smoky Perfection

Grilling is an art, and our chefs are true masters. The lamb chops are expertly grilled to achieve the perfect balance of smokiness and tenderness.

Served with Love

Our Lamb Chop BBQ Dinner is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The dish is beautifully presented with a side of bulgur, fries, salad, and bread. The combination of flavors and textures is a true celebration of Turkish cuisine.

Our beverage suggestion: Lamb Chop BBQ Dinner pairs perfectly with Freshly Squeezed Pomegranate Juice or Salgam Juice.

Visit Us to Savor the Flavor

We invite you to reserve your table and experience the flavor for yourself. Our restaurant is the perfect place to indulge in the rich and diverse flavors of Turkish cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned food lover or someone looking to explore new tastes, our Lamb Chop BBQ Dinner is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Turkish Cuisine – A Symphony of Colors, Textures, and Flavors

Posted on September 13, 2023September 15, 2023 by sultanahmet

Turkish cuisine is among the 10 most attractive cuisines in the world, more precisely, it is the third cuisine in the world if we evaluate quality and variety (after French and Chinese cuisine).
The ancient nomadic life, the area with different flora and fauna that extends through seven geographical zones, and the legacy of the rich imperial cuisine are the three fundamental elements that influence Turkish cuisine to be synonymous with gastronomic art.

Bread

The basis of Turkish cuisine is dough from wheat flour for the inevitable white bread (ekmek), simit, manti (dough), and jufka (puff pastry). In addition to bread, an important place in Turkish cuisine has pilaf – a rice dish. It is being prepared in many ways, served hot or cold, it can be a good addition to the meat, or as a main dish.

Fish

Turkey is a country with four seas and people who live there are real masters in preparing fish and seafood. One of the most famous Turkish fish is “Cupra” (Dorado). Dorado is a popular and delicious fish in Turkish cuisine, known for its delicate flavor and tender flesh. We prepare and serve it grilled, with a variety of seasonal vegetables, salad, bulgur, fries, and bread.

Meat

As a rule, meat is used in smaller quantities. Chicken and beef meat are used a lot, while pork in general is not popular in Turkey. Among the most famous dishes are Shish Kebap – pieces of meat strung on a skewer and Beef Doner dish.

Also, Turkish cuisine is known for its diverse and flavorful use of lamb meat, making it a delight for lamb lovers. We invite you to experience Lamb Chop BBQ Dinner at our restaurant.

Vegetables

Turkish cuisine places a strong emphasis on fresh, vibrant vegetables, and the art of crafting exquisite salads. One of the most famous Turkish salads is Coban Salad, also known as Shepherd’s Salad. It’s a refreshing and colorful salad that’s often served as a side dish. It complements a wide range of Turkish dishes, such as kebaps and grilled meats.

Desserts

Turkish cuisine represents a real wealth of desserts. The most famous is baklava. Baklavas are a symphony of delicate, flaky pastry layers generously filled with a rich blend of chopped nuts, like pistachios or walnuts, and sweetened with sugar syrup. Each bite is a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible treat.

Another beloved treat is Turkish Delight, or “Lokum” which comes in various flavors, dusted with powdered sugar. Rice pudding, known as “Sütlaç” is a comforting dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar. Finally, “Künefe” is a delectable dessert featuring shredded pastry soaked in syrup and layered with gooey, stretchy cheese, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Turkish desserts are not only a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth but also a reflection of the country’s rich culinary history and cultural diversity. They are often enjoyed with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee, making them an integral part of Turkish hospitality and cuisine.

As you explore the world of Turkish cuisine, you’ll discover a symphony of colors, textures, and flavors that are not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. At our Turkish restaurant, we source the freshest ingredients to create these vibrant appetizers and salads that perfectly complement our flavorful main courses.
We invite you to book your table and visit our restaurant to experience the true essence of Turkish cuisine for yourself.

Lahmacun – The Turkish Delight of Flatbreads

Posted on September 11, 2023September 11, 2023 by sultanahmet

Lahmacun has been around for millennia in the Middle East, and Turks, especially the Tatars, were known to prepare thin bread with a combination of meat and veggies for their meals.

The exact manner of baking in this dish can be traced back to the 17th century when Evliya Çelebi visited Damascus and recorded it in his famous travelogue “Seyahatname.” He wrote that he ate a “lahm-ı acînlı börek,” which came to be called the lahmacun we know and love today. Çelebi first gave it the name börek in reference to the thin layer of dough.

This thin, crispy flatbread was traditionally made by local bakers and served as a quick and satisfying street food snack. Over time, Lahmacun gained popularity not only in Turkey but also in neighboring countries, each adding its own unique twist to the recipe.

With a thin dough and a layer of meaty goodness, this Turkish pizza is a different take on the one you may be used to.

The Art of Preparation

Making Lahmacun is art. The dough is rolled out into thin circles, ensuring that it’s evenly stretched to create a delicate, crispy texture once baked. The finely minced beef meat and the blend of aromatic spices are spread generously over the dough, and the Lahmacun is then baked in a hot oven until the edges turn golden brown and the meat topping is perfectly cooked.

Serving Lahmacun

The secret to a great Lahmacun lies in the balance of flavors. We serve the Lahmacun fresh out of the oven, accompanied by a garnish of fresh lemon wedges and a handful of crisp, refreshing vegetables like lettuce, parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion. They add a refreshing contrast to the savory meat mixture.

We encourage our guests to squeeze the lemon juice over the Lahmacun before rolling it up like a wrap or folding it in half for easy consumption.

The aroma of the freshly baked flatbread, the visual appeal of the colorful toppings, and the explosion of flavors in your mouth make every bite a memorable one.

Our suggestion – Lahmacun pairs perfectly with Ayran or Salgam juice.

While we’ve shared the magic of Lahmacun with you here, nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. We invite you to book your visit and savor this culinary delight.

We can’t wait to share this delectable dish with you and offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere that truly embodies the spirit of Turkish hospitality.

Certified Halal Meat

Posted on November 30, 2022January 15, 2023 by sultanahmet

Certified halal meat ensures a pure and wholesome form of nourishment for all people. So, Halal is beneficial for everyone.

Islam is not only a religion – it is a way of life. Since food is an important part of daily life, food laws carry a special significance. Muslims should maintain good health and not just live to eat.

Halal is an Arabic word that means “permissible” or “lawful”. In terms of food, it means food that is allowed according to Islamic law as it is defined within the Quran.

For meat to be certified “Halal” it needs to be slaughtered/harvested properly. Beef, lamb, goat, venison, bison, chicken, turkey, fish, and shellfish can all be Halal.

Foods that are unlawful or prohibited are “Haram.” The prohibited animals are carnivorous animals, pigs, reptiles, and birds of prey.

Before The Halal Process

Before Halal slaughtering:

-Animals must be well cared for and preferably without blemish (scars or injuries). Abuse of animals is strictly forbidden and the lives of animals are only to be taken in a dignified manner.

-The animals must have been fed a natural diet. The feeding of animal by-products is prohibited.

-Animals should have access to drinking water until slaughtered.

The Halal Process

The slaughter of a halal animal is called “zabihah” and there are certain guidelines to follow:

-The slaughtering process must be conducted by a practicing Muslim who is of sound mind and who has the explicit intention of performing a slaughter. The person doing the slaughter is clearly instructed in Islam to “Slaughter with mercy and slaughter swiftly.”

-The name of Allah must be pronounced before or as the animal is slaughtered. The person doing the slaughter must recite “Tasmia” which is typical “Bismillah” – In the name of Allah and “Allahu Akbar” – Allah is Greatest. This must be done out loud during the slaughter.

-The animal’s face should be pointed toward Makkah (Mecca).

-The knife must be very sharp and the edge of the blade perfectly smooth, with no nicks. Also, the knife must not be sharpened in the presence of animals to be slaughtered, to be avoided potentially undue stress.

-Halal slaughter involves one pass of the blade across the throat of the animal, severing the carotid arteries, jugular vein, and trachea. This process involves very little pain. Animals lose consciousness very quickly, yet the heart helps rid the body of blood.

-The animal must be allowed to bleed completely out. The blood is not Halal.

ALWAYS LOCAL

Sultan Ahmet Turkish Cuisine always gets the freshest cuts of local certified halal meat. We never import any halal meat from foreign countries and it is never frozen. We ensure that our meat reaches your dish in the shortest period of time.

INSPECTED AND APPROVED

We purchase the halal meat inspected and approved to ensure it is safe, wholesome, correctly labeled, and packaged. The meat is checked for animal diseases and unseen hazards, such as microbiological and chemical contamination.

*Please note that this article serves as introductory, educational content for non-Muslim readers. We do not provide our opinion on the differences in practices worldwide or whether a certain procedure is more humane than another.