Izmir Kesme

Izmir Kesme, a beloved traditional dish from the Aegean region of Turkey, is known for its hearty components and rich flavors. It is a noodle-based dish, celebrated for its simplicity and deep cultural roots in Turkish culinary history. Historically, it has been a staple during family gatherings and festive occasions, bringing families together with its comforting essence.

Ingredients

• Flour - 3 cups
• Egg - 2
• Olive Oil - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 1/2 cup
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Onion - 1 large, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 2, finely chopped
• Ground Beef - 300 grams
• Black Pepper - 1 teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes - 1/2 teaspoon
• Parsley - 1/4 cup, finely chopped
• Lemon - 1/2 for juice (optional)

Preparation

Making the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add eggs and water. Mix until dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Rolling and Cutting the Noodles

1. After resting, divide the dough into 4 parts. Roll each part into a thin sheet using a rolling pin.
2. Cut the sheets into strips about 1 cm wide and let them dry slightly on a clean cloth.

Preparing the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then, add garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped tomatoes.
4. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15 minutes.

Cooking Process

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the freshly cut noodles and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until they float to the surface.
2. Drain the noodles and add them to the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are nicely coated.
3. Garnish with parsley and squeeze some lemon juice if desired for an extra zing.

Tips on Enjoying Izmir Kesme

Izmir Kesme is best enjoyed fresh, served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a light olive oil based salad for a complete meal. For traditional flair, serve a glass of Turkish ayran, a yogurt-based drink, alongside your plate of Izmir Kesme.

Conclusion

Recreating this dish brings a slice of Turkish cultural heritage to your home. With simple ingredients such as flour, egg, and ground beef, Izmir Kesme offers a rich tapestry of flavors and a sense of nostalgia, much like the streets of Izmir themselves. Whether for a family dinner or a culinary exploration, this dish offers a delicious journey into Turkish cuisine.