Keep in mind: You can click on each ingredient to find other recipes that use that ingredient.
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Phyllo Dough:
Yufka is a very thin, unleavened dough made from flour, water, and salt. It's indispensable in Turkish cuisine, forming the base for many dishes like börek, gözleme, and baklava. Due to its high carbohydrate content, it provides quick and sustainable energy to the body. When made from whole wheat flour, it becomes rich in fiber, aiding digestion, and contains B vitamins. It pairs wonderfully with ingredients like cheese, spinach, minced meat, and potatoes.
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Green Lentils:
Green lentils, thanks to their low glycemic index, stabilize blood sugar and provide long-lasting satiety. Their high fiber content supports the digestive system, while rich iron and folate contribute to blood formation and cell regeneration. Beneficial for heart health, this legume is also a good source of plant-based protein. It pairs wonderfully with vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and spices such as mint and cumin, as well as bulgur. Suitable for soups, salads, and main dishes.
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Liquid Oil:
Liquid oils (sunflower, olive, etc.) are essential kitchen ingredients that add flavor to dishes and contain healthy unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Ideal for frying, salad dressings, baking, and sautéing. They pair perfectly with vegetables, meats, legumes, and grains. They offer easy cooking.
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Starch:
Starch, a primary carbohydrate stored in plants, is the body's main energy source. Its slow-digesting nature provides sustained satiety and balanced energy. Particularly, resistant starch nourishes gut flora, supporting digestive health, regulating blood sugar, and aiding mineral absorption. In the kitchen, it's used to thicken sauces, add structure to baked goods, and bind various dishes. It's a versatile ingredient that pairs well with milk, fruits, vegetables, and protein sources.
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Baking Powder:
Baking powder is a leavening agent typically composed of sodium bicarbonate and an acid, giving baked goods their rise. While it offers no direct nutritional benefits, its sodium bicarbonate content can provide temporary relief from heartburn and indigestion, and even support oral hygiene as a gargle. However, excessive consumption leads to high sodium intake. It pairs wonderfully with flour, sugar, dairy products, eggs, and fruits; it's indispensable in cakes, cookies, and bread.
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Sparkling Water:
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) neutralizes stomach acid, alleviating indigestion and reflux. Used as a mouthwash, it eliminates bad odors and gently cleans teeth. It also helps soothe skin irritations and insect bites. Typically consumed or applied mixed with water. It reacts with acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar, making it effective in cleaning too.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Parsley:
Parsley is a powerful antioxidant source that supports bone health and plays a crucial role in blood clotting due to its Vitamin K content. Its Vitamin C content strengthens immunity. Rich in flavonoids like apigenin, it can help reduce inflammation. It is also a natural diuretic. It pairs perfectly with lemon, garlic, and olive oil; adding a refreshing flavor to fish, chicken, soups, and salads.
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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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Hot Pepper Sauce:
Hot Pepper Paste is an intense flavor derived from ripe hot peppers. Thanks to its capsaicin content, it accelerates metabolism and offers mild pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory potential. Rich in antioxidants like Vitamins C and A, it supports the immune system. It pairs wonderfully with red meat, chicken, legume dishes, and soups, adding a characteristic heat and deep aroma to recipes.
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Egg Yolk:
Egg yolk is rich in protein, choline (critical for brain and liver health), vitamins D and A, and powerful antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. It notably supports eye health, contributes to bone development, and strengthens cognitive functions. Its healthy fat content provides a sense of satiety. It's an excellent binder and flavor enhancer in savory sauces like béchamel, mayonnaise, and Hollandaise, as well as in sweet applications like pastry creams.
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Sesame:
Sesame is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, supporting bone health. Its lignans (sesamin, sesamolin) provide powerful antioxidant effects and can help balance cholesterol levels. High fiber content aids digestion. It has a wide range of uses from sweet to savory; often used as tahini with molasses, in salads, baked goods, and frequently in Asian cuisine.
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Black Cumin:
Black Seed (Nigella Sativa), with its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supports the immune system, improves digestive health, and benefits respiratory ailments. It helps reduce inflammation in the body. It may also contribute to balancing blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Its intense and slightly bitter flavor pairs wonderfully with ingredients like honey, lemon, turmeric, and olive oil.