Turkish Tarator Hazelnut Dip Turkey Middle East Recipes

TURKISH TARATOR -- HAZELNUT DIP (TURKEY -- MIDDLE EAST)

Steps:

• In a deep bowl, put the hazelnuts with enough boiling water to cover them, & let them soak for 1 hour, then drain them.
• In a blender bowl, put the nuts along with the bread, garlic & 1 teaspoon of water, then blend until smooth, before drizzling the oilve oil into this mixture with the motor running.
• When oil is completely absorbed, add lemon juice & salt to taste. NOTE: If patience is one of your virtues AND you have energy to spare, you could do this grinding & blending in a large mortar with a pestle!
• Taste & adjust the seasoning, if desired, then transfer to a serving bowl & serve at room temperature.

TARATOR

Steps:

• Mix all the above ingredients together, except the parsley.
• Keep stirring till you get a nice smooth sauce, add the chopped parsley and serve.

TURKISH SAUTEED SEA BASS WITH ALMOND TARATOR

Steps:

• Stir flour, paprika and red pepper in shallow dish. Season fish with salt. Coat with flour mixture, shaking off excess. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
• Transfer fish to plates. Serve with Almond Tarator.

TURKISH TARATOR SAUCE FOR BOILED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Soak the bread in water and squeeze dry. Crumble it, and add it to the nuts in a bowl. Gradually add the olive oil, beating constantly, then stir in the vinegar and garlic, and season to taste with salt and pepper. The sauce should be very smooth and creamy.
• You may use a food processor or blender. In this case add whole walnuts or hazelnuts at the end, when the rest of the ingredients have been turned to a cream, and leave the nuts slightly coarse.