Aksaray is known as one of the granaries of central Anatolia. However, it is not only active in terms of grains but also in livestock farming. A significant portion of the population earns their living through small-scale animal husbandry. Additionally, like in Nevsehir, Aksaray also has numerous vineyards. Therefore, you can often find ingredients such as grains, meat, and molasses in their cuisine.
What to Eat in Aksaray?
Despite being a small province, Aksaray is quite rich in terms of culinary culture. You can be sure that a significant portion of the region-specific dishes unique to Aksaray can only be experienced here. For those curious about what to eat in Aksaray, this guide provides information on the local dishes you can find in the region.
Sıkma” is one of the frequently encountered flavors in Aksaray breakfasts. It is prepared using a simple dough. However, this dough is cooked on a griddle and brought to your table with a wonderful aroma. Various ingredients are added to the dough to create a rolled-up version of “sıkma
Aksaray Tava is a regional delicacy of Aksaray that appeals to meat enthusiasts. It is made with lamb meat, and what truly enhances its flavor is cooking it with tail fat and seasoning it with organic tomatoes and peppers grown in the region. Aksaray Tava is cooked in clay pots, slowly over low heat, resulting in tender and succulent meat, reminiscent of a delightfully chewy texture.
Cappadocia is often associated with the delicious taste of “mantı” (Turkish dumplings). Aksaray, like Kayseri and Nevşehir, has its own unique version of mantı. In the traditional preparation, the dough for mantı in Aksaray is cut larger compared to Kayseri mantı, and it is filled with a minced meat mixture before being sealed. The distinctive flavor of Aksaray mantı comes from cooking it in a sauce made with tomato paste. It is served with garlic yogurt and melted butter on top.
Dolaz,” a flavor popular in Aksaray as well as Niğde, is a sweet treat that closely resembles wheat halva. However, while sugar is used in wheat halva, dolaz uses grape molasses, resulting in a lighter taste. Additionally, it is softened with milk and can be served with the addition of tahini, walnuts, and pistachios on top.
Ayva dolması,” although often associated with a dessert, is actually a main course. This dish, with roots in Ottoman cuisine, involves hollowing out a quince and filling it with a mixture of minced meat. It is seasoned with pomegranate molasses and cinnamon, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Aksaray is known for various dolma recipes, and one of them is onion dolma. It is a beloved flavor from Ottoman cuisine that is still frequently consumed in Aksaray today. The dish is prepared by hollowing out an onion and filling it with a stuffing mixture, then cooking it over low heat until it reaches a delicious taste.
Bamya corbası is among the first flavors that come to mind when Aksaray is mentioned. Even if you’re not a fan of okra, you should definitely give this dish a try. The soup includes lamb meat, and onions and tomatoes are sautéed using tail fat, resulting in a highly flavorful dish. You can find this delicious soup in almost every restaurant in Aksaray.
Arabaşı çorbası, like in many other provinces in Anatolia, is also consumed in Aksaray. This soup, a beloved flavor during the winter months, can be found in a limited number of restaurants. Typically, it is made with turkey meat, but it’s also possible to find versions made with chicken. Enriched with flavors such as celery, garlic, and parsley, it becomes a vitamin-packed soup.
“Sarığıburma” is one of the most famous desserts in Aksaray. Its dough is rolled out as thin as in baklava and shaped with the help of a rolling pin. When the syrup is added, “sarığıburma” transforms into a crispy and delightful flavor festival, making it especially suitable for serving after meat dishes.
“Çiğleme” is a dessert that appeals to those who enjoy experiencing different flavors. It contains clotted cream, flour, and water. This delicacy, catering to those who appreciate light flavors, can be found in almost all restaurants. Additionally, it is also sold as a gift item in ready-made packages.
One of the desserts you can enjoy in Aksaray is known as “kabak ağdası.” This sweet treat is made by turning pumpkin into jam, leaving a slightly bitter yet delicious taste in your mouth. The preparation of this dessert takes hours, and it stands out with the aromatic flavor of basil.
We’ve tried to answer the questions of “What to eat in Aksaray?” and “What are the local culinary delights?” If you have any more questions or if there’s anything else I can help you with, feel free to ask!
Aksaray restaurants Maps
https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kategori:Aksaray_mutfa%C4%9F%C4%B1
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