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For Delicious Cuisine In A Turkish Restaurant East Meadow Is The Place To Look

By Marci Glover


If you need a break from the same old food you're always ordering when eating out, maybe it's time to try some ethnic cuisine. The exotic food from the eastern Mediterranean will have your mouth watering and if you live on Long Island, you don't even have to go all the way into Manhattan to find what you're looking for. In fact, for a great Turkish restaurant East Meadow, Centereach and other Long Island spots have a surprising selection on offer.

Turkish cuisine is as varied as the country itself. It's a mix of influences from the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Central Asia and of course Ottoman traditions. Local ingredients such as eggplant, olive oil and yogurt feature prominently and spices are used wisely to enhance the flavors.

To start your culinary journey, try a platter with several appetizers. These may include pickles, olives, cheese, dolmeh with their vine-leaf wrappings, golden falafel balls and small spinach and feta or feta and herb pies. Accompanying everything you'll normally find some tasty dips, including hummus and eggplant-based baba ghanoush.

Salads can range from light and lemony to ones that are filling enough to make a great meal on a hot day. They may contain ingredients such as eggplant, tomatoes, bulgur wheat, feta cheese or seafood and are often drizzled with olive oil. If it's cold outside, a lentil soup is a wonderfully comforting alternative.

Probably Turkey's most famous dish is the kebab, which can be made with beef, lamb or chicken. Children will love eating the bits of meat off the skewers but may also enjoy lamb chops. Seafood is great for summer because the dishes often include ingredients such as lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. If you're looking for winter comfort food, a rich stew will do the trick.

Vegetarians have plenty to rave about when it comes to Turkish cuisine. Many dishes don't contain any meat or fish at all but are still a feast of flavors. Eggplant, zucchini, onions and bell peppers are some of the vegetables commonly used. Pilaf is a tasty rice-based dish but if you're looking for something substantial and comforting, try moussaka. Falafel is the perfect choice if you're craving protein.

No meal is complete without something sweet at the end. In Turkey, desserts can be based on fruits such as figs and quinces. They can also be rich and creamy, such as rice pudding or exotic ice creams sprinkled with pistachios. A favorite with most diners is golden baklava with layers of crunchy nuts and drenched in syrup. This dish is especially good with a cup to strong Turkish coffee to accompany it.

There are several Long Island restaurants that specialize in the cuisines of Turkey and other Mediterranean countries. You simply need to check the local listings, search online or ask around for recommendations for one in, say, East Meadow NY. Many of these establishments also deliver, making it ever more convenient to bring the exotic right to your home.




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