Chicken Topkapi; It is one of the most famous recipes of the Ottoman Palace Cuisine, which is known and still applied. Chicken thigh meat is finely pounded and stuffed with a rich pilaf and then baked. A complete feast of taste and invitation dinner. Bon Appetit!
Lightly pound the deboned chicken legs. If you are preparing it at home, you can thin it by beating it with the bottom of a thick jar. It should remain on the skin of the thighs.
Mix milk, onion juice, crushed garlic, ground red pepper, cumin, black pepper and salt in a bowl.
Put the chicken legs in a bowl and mix them well with the marinade material. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
For the stuffing, wash the rice and soak it in warm salty water for 15-20 minutes.
Peel and finely chop the onion. Heat the olive oil and butter in a suitable pan and fry the onions and pine nuts until they turn pink.
Wash the currants by soaking them in hot water for 10 minutes, and remove the stems if any. Add the roasted onions and continue frying for 4-5 minutes.
Rinse the rice with plenty of water and drain. Add to the roasted onions and fry until the rice becomes transparent.
Add 1 glass of hot chicken stock (or drinking water) to the roasted rice and add spices and salt.
Take the inner pilaf on low heat and cook it until it absorbs its water. Take the cooked rice aside and let it rest for 5-6 minutes.
Wrap the chicken thighs (with the skin on the bottom) on the baking tray by putting enough rice in the middle and fix it with a toothpick.
Thin the tomato paste with olive oil and 1 tea glass of hot water and pour this sauce over the chickens.
Bake the wrapped chicken in the oven, which you have preheated at 200 degrees, for about 30 minutes. Take the chickens that are browned and colored from the oven, let them rest for 4-5 minutes and serve hot. Bon Appetit!
Note: You can present the chicken wraps by plating them on mashed potatoes or aubergines.
🍗 Chicken Topkapı: A Delicious Legacy from the Ottoman Palace to the Present
Chicken Topkapı is an Ottoman dish with a deep-rooted history, taking its name from Istanbul's legendary Topkapı Palace. Legend has it that this delicacy originated in the palace kitchen (Matbah-ı Âmire) in the 15th century. It is said to have been served especially in banquets prepared after hunting parties during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror. 🏹👑
🔍 The Story and Characteristics of the Dish:
The Splendor of the Palace Reflects on the Table: According to sources, this dish, listed as "Topkapı Chicken" in Topkapı kitchen records, was one of the special recipes that graced the lavish tables of the period.
Elegance in the Ingredients: Prepared with chicken breast, butter, lemon juice, saffron, and spices. The golden hue of the saffron and the refreshing flavor of the lemon add a visual and flavorful feast to the dish. 🌼🍋
Cooking Technique: Chicken is carefully sautéed in butter before being topped with a lemon-saffron sauce. This simple yet balanced blend ensures the meat remains tender and juicy.
📜 Historical Records and Its Reflection Today:
Chef and Ottoman cuisine researcher Ömür Akkor states that this recipe was found in the Topkapı Palace archives. The dish is named "Piliç Topkapı" because it was made with "piliç" (young chicken) meat in the palace.
Today, it's possible to taste this flavor in a form close to the original in Istanbul's traditional restaurants (like Deraliye Restaurant) and venues serving Ottoman cuisine.
🌟 Why Is It Special?
Because chicken dishes were generally considered therapeutic and light in the Ottoman Empire, they were also recommended by palace physicians. Topkapı Chicken, with its simple flavor and esthetic presentation of the palace, is still remembered today as "the symbol of Ottoman elegant tables."
Keep in mind: You can click on each ingredient to find other recipes that use that ingredient.
Chicken Leg:
Chicken thigh offers high-quality protein for muscle development. With B6 and B12 vitamins, it supports energy metabolism and contributes to nervous system health. While containing less saturated fat than red meat, it strengthens immunity with iron and zinc. Its collagen content is particularly beneficial for skin and joint health. It pairs wonderfully with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and herbs such as thyme and garlic.
Rice:
Rice is a global staple food. It provides sustained energy due to complex carbohydrates, supports metabolism with B vitamins, and is naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for those with gluten sensitivity. Especially brown rice contributes to digestive health with its fiber content. It pairs excellently with legumes like lentils and chickpeas, vegetables, and various meats. It is an indispensable part of healthy and satisfying meals.
Pine Nut:
Pine nuts are a nutritious nut rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, aiding satiety through pinolenic acid, which can assist in appetite control. A powerhouse of Vitamin E and antioxidants, they support skin health. Minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc contribute to energy metabolism. They add a unique aroma and texture to dishes, particularly in pesto sauce, Mediterranean salads, spinach dishes, rice pilafs, and desserts.
Currants:
Currants, rich in potent antioxidants and fiber, stand out. They are especially abundant in iron, potassium, and calcium. They support cell regeneration, aid digestion, and contribute to blood sugar balance. They add a unique flavor to pilafs, stuffings, desserts, and salads. They pair well with almonds, walnuts, and cinnamon.
Onion Juice:
Onion juice possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, largely due to flavonoids like quercetin. It fortifies the immune system, supports digestive health, and may contribute to blood sugar regulation. Its rich Vitamin C content is also noteworthy. To balance its taste and enhance its benefits, it pairs excellently with honey, lemon juice, or fresh ginger.
Milk:
Milk is rich in calcium and Vitamin D, supporting bone and teeth health. Its high-quality protein content is crucial for muscle development. B vitamins (B2, B12) contribute to energy metabolism and support nervous system health. It also contains components that strengthen the immune system. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, cereals, fruits, honey, or cocoa. It forms an indispensable base for many sweet and savory recipes.
Black Pepper:
Black pepper, a kitchen staple, offers not just flavor but also significant health benefits. Thanks to piperine, its active compound, it boasts powerful antioxidant properties, helping to combat free radicals. It can stimulate the digestive system, enhancing nutrient absorption and notably increasing the bioavailability of curcumin found in turmeric. Additionally, it's effective in reducing gas and bloating. It also has a mild metabolism-boosting effect. With a wide range of uses from red meats to poultry, vegetable dishes to soups, it pairs excellently. It harmonizes perfectly with spices like cumin and coriander, as well as ingredients like lemon and garlic, adding depth to dishes.
Salt:
Salt is an essential mineral that adds unique flavor to dishes and serves as a natural preservative. It provides vital electrolyte balance for the body's water regulation, nerve, and muscle functions. It pairs perfectly with spices, herbs, and oils, enriching the taste of every meal. An indispensable part of every table.
Garlic:
Garlic, thanks to its allicin compound, offers strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can boost the immune system, increasing resistance against illnesses. Furthermore, it contributes to cardiovascular health by helping regulate blood pressure and balance cholesterol levels. Widely used in traditional medicine, garlic is also known for its digestive support effects. An indispensable ingredient in meat dishes, vegetable sautés, and Mediterranean cuisine, it pairs wonderfully with herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Dry Onion:
Dry onion is a kitchen staple and a powerful antioxidant source. Its quercetin content helps protect the body against free radicals, reduces inflammation, and may support heart health. Rich in Vitamins C and B6, and manganese, it strengthens the immune system. Its prebiotic fibers contribute to digestive health. It is widely used in dishes ranging from meat dishes to vegetable sautés, pilafs, and soups. It pairs perfectly with garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and red meat.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil, especially in its extra virgin form, is a powerful source of health benefits due to its high content of polyphenol antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid). It supports heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). With its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces inflammation in the body, prevents cell damage, and provides protection against chronic diseases. It supports the digestive system and contributes to skin health. An indispensable part of Mediterranean cuisine, it pairs wonderfully with salads, vegetable dishes, fish, legumes, and fresh bread.
Butter:
Butter is a rich, flavorful fat derived from milk. It contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K2, along with healthy fatty acids, serving as an energy source. It's easily digestible. Butter enhances the taste of meals and rice dishes, is spread on bread, or used in sauces. It's indispensable for breakfast tables and various recipes.
Allspice:
Allspice, the dried berry of the Jamaican Pimenta dioica tree, is named for its aroma, a blend of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. It's valued for easing digestion, relieving gas, and providing mild pain relief for muscle aches or headaches. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it complements meat dishes, pickles, soups, and desserts like cookies and cakes. Its flavor truly shines when combined with cloves and cinnamon.
Cinnamon Powder:
Ground Cinnamon not only adds flavor to sweets but also stands out with its health benefits. It contains powerful compounds that help regulate blood sugar and, with its rich antioxidant structure, protects against cellular damage. Its anti-inflammatory effect and potential to balance cholesterol levels support heart health. It pairs wonderfully, especially with apples, honey, coffee, oatmeal, and cocoa, adding a warm and spicy depth to your recipes.
Chicken Broth:
Chicken broth, rich in collagen, supports joint health, enhances skin elasticity, and strengthens the intestinal barrier, improving digestion. Amino acids like glycine and proline support the immune system and help reduce inflammation. It also contains beneficial components for cartilage structure. Especially during colds and flu, it contributes to body recovery. It pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, various vegetables, and lemon.
Water:
Water is the foundation of life and indispensable for bodily functions. Its main roles include transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells, eliminating metabolic waste through the kidneys, and regulating body temperature. It is essential for joint health, organ protection, and maintaining cellular functions. Dehydration leads to low energy and kidney issues. When consumed with fibrous fruits and vegetables, water aids digestion. It forms a good combination with mineral water or herbal teas for electrolyte balance.
Tomato Paste:
Tomato Paste is a concentrated source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant whose bioavailability increases when heated. This property supports heart health and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer. It also contains Vitamin K and potassium. Its absorption is enhanced when consumed with olive oil. It pairs perfectly with onions, garlic, red meat, and legumes, adding depth and umami to dishes.
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