Homemade Turkish mantı are tiny beef-filled dumplings served with garlicky yogurt and sizzling Aleppo pepper butter. Z’s mom makes them by hand, and after eating the real thing, I understand why this is one Turkish dish worth learning to make from scratch.

This Turkish-inspired beef and potato stew is the kind of meal you make from what you have, and it turns out better than expected. Built with biber salça, tomatoes, and a quick homemade stock, it’s simple, flavorful, and perfect served with fresh bread. Made with local sausage? Definitely veers from Türkiye and leans more Greek!