Photo: foodwtf/TikTok

Eli Böğründe Is Turkey's Centuries-Old Delicacy That Tastes as Good as It Looks

Türkiye Food + Drink
by Matador Creators Feb 10, 2023

Turkey isn’t just home to beautiful landscapes — it’s also a land of rich flavors and a wide range of dishes. One of the most beloved dishes is Eli Böğründe. This traditional dish has been around for centuries and continues to be popular with locals and tourists to Turkey alike.

Eli Böğründe consists of cubes of beef or lamb cooked in a mixture of spices and herbs, as well as tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers. The dish is usually served over rice or bulgur but can also be eaten on its own.

@foodwtf "Eli böğründe" is a popular dish in #Türkiye 😍 It's made with lamb and vegetables then cooked in a bread wrap 🎥 @Maraşlı Yiyor #turkey #turkeyfoodguide #foodie #foodietok ♬ original sound – Sickickmusic

Making Eli Böğründe requires patience and skill because it needs to cook slowly in order for the flavors to fully develop. The meat is first seared in oil until it develops a golden-brown color, then it’s simmered in the tomato sauce for several hours until it’s fork-tender. During this process, the spices add subtle layers of flavor that give the stew an irresistible depth.

The key to making good Eli Böğründe is the use of fresh ingredients – especially vegetables – which are often sourced locally from nearby farms or markets. This gives each dish an intense flavor that cannot be found anywhere else. Herbs such as mint, dill, and parsley are also used to add a unique taste to each dish. Additionally, there is an emphasis on using simple spices and seasonings rather than complex sauces or gravies. This allows the true flavor of each ingredient to shine through without being overpowered by other flavors.

Eli Böğründe has its roots in the Eastern Anatolian region, specifically the Kars province. While this type of cooking has been around for centuries, it is only recently becoming more widely known outside of Turkey. In many ways, it serves as a bridge between traditional Turkish cuisine and local influences from neighboring countries like Armenia and Azerbaijan.

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