Remarkable gastronomic comparisons unveiled between Spain and Turkey
In the vibrant world of international cuisine, the culinary traditions of Spain and Turkey share an intriguing resemblance. Both cultures have developed satisfying everyday meals that pair meat with rice, such as "Carne con arroz" and its counterpart, "et sote ve pilav." These dishes, while unique in their own right, offer a comforting familiarity across borders.
Potato-based dishes also find common ground in Spanish and Turkish cooking. "Patatas guisadas," a Spanish stew made with potatoes, bears a striking resemblance to "patates yemegi," a Turkish potato dish prepared in much the same way.
Hearty meals popular in colder months, such as "Fabada asturiana," "kuru fasulye," "lentejas estofadas," "yesil mercimek yemegi," "sopa de fideos," and "menemen," have gained attention among food enthusiasts in Turkey and beyond due to their similarities. "Fabada asturiana" and "kuru fasulye" are both stews made with white beans, simmered in tomato sauce, while "lentejas estofadas" and "yesil mercimek yemegi" are lentil-based dishes. "Sopa de fideos" and "sehriye corbasi" are noodle soups that mirror each other, offering a light, warming dish in broth.
Comfort foods in their respective cultures, "Pisto con huevos" and "menemen" are dishes of stewed vegetables topped with eggs. While "Pisto con huevos" is a Spanish dish, "menemen" is a popular Turkish breakfast option.
The dessert course also reveals shared influences. "Arroz con leche" and "sutlac" are rice puddings with cinnamon that share similarities across Mediterranean food cultures.
Spiced sausages, a common ingredient in both cuisines, also demonstrate this cross-cultural connection. "Chorizo" in Spanish cuisine parallels "sucuk," a heavily seasoned sausage that has become a symbol of Turkish breakfast tables. "Garbanzos guisados," a chickpea stew, resembles "nohut yemegi" in Turkish cooking.
In recent days, no prominent chefs have been reported to have specifically discussed or compared Spanish and Turkish cuisine. However, the shared ingredients and techniques that bind these two culinary traditions serve as a testament to the universal language of food. Whether it's a hearty stew, a comforting dessert, or a simple spiced sausage, the flavours of Spain and Turkey continue to captivate and connect people around the world.
