Yogurt, the undisputed star of Turkish cuisine, takes on a prominent role not only as an essential ingredient in Türkiye's national drink but also as a constant companion to almost every meal. Its significance is particularly pronounced during the summer season, when it is embraced as a natural healing elixir. While yogurt holds its position as a revered delicacy in Turkish culinary traditions, its diverse and unexpected applications during the summer may surprise foreigners. Beyond being a beloved accompaniment to numerous dishes, yogurt finds its way into refreshing drinks, flavorful soups, tantalizing mezes, and even embellishes various kebabs. This culinary phenomenon can be attributed to yogurt's abundance of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that promote digestive health, bolster the immune system, and restore the body's essential microbial balance, especially after antibiotic use. 
Packed with vital nutrients such as protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, as well as vitamins B2 and B12, yogurt enhances nutrient absorption when enjoyed alongside other wholesome foods. Moreover, yogurt's gut-friendly nature brings forth an intriguing fact: dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, and serotonin, the hormone responsible for regulating mood, sleep, and overall well-being, are synthesized in the gut. Since 90% of serotonin resides in the gastrointestinal tract, increasing its levels through yogurt consumption contributes to a sense of well-being and positively impacts mental health.
Interestingly, while yogurt is commonly regarded in the Western world as a fruity snack, Türkiye's culinary tradition does not incorporate it as a sweet treat. While fruit-flavored yogurts can be found in markets, yogurt in Türkiye predominantly complements savory dishes. Given its remarkable health benefits, it becomes evident why yogurt assumes the role of a dietary staple.
Indulge in Ayran, an Acquired Refreshment Ayran, Türkiye's national beverage, stands out as one of the most popular ways to savor yogurt. This refreshing drink consists of diluted yogurt with a hint of salt. While consumed throughout the year, Ayran finds its true calling during the summer, offering a revitalizing respite from the sweltering sun and replenishing the body's lost salt due to perspiration. Ayran perfectly complements spicy, protein-rich meals and gradually becomes a cherished favorite for those who acquire a taste for its unique salty flavor. Notably, "yayık ayranı," a frothy variation of this savory drink, can be savored at traditional restaurants specializing in pides, flatbreads topped with an array of ingredients such as cheese, greens, and various meats. Served in glass mugs with handles, this delightful summer indulgence overflows with frothed-up ayran, exuding a smooth and airy texture. With a milder saltiness, it serves as a more accessible option. Many Turkish households prepare their own ayran, adjusting the salt according to personal preference. In fact, homemade yogurt is a common practice, with freshly sourced milk boiled, mixed with a yogurt starter, and incubated in warm glass jars for several hours to undergo fermentation.
Süzme Yogurt: A Creamy Delight Süzme yogurt, which undergoes an additional straining process, yields a lusciously thick consistency akin to sour cream. While available in markets, it is more commonly found in farmer's markets and cheese shops, where it reigns as the sole yogurt variety. This richer and creamier yogurt serves as a culinary specialty in Türkiye and can be enjoyed on its own or used to craft an exquisite selection of yogurt-based mezes, essential at traditional Turkish restaurants.
Yogurt Takes Center Stage in Mezes and Refreshing Soups Yogurt plays a central role in countless meze dishes, which encompass a diverse range of flavorful dips. Haydari, combining yogurt with garlic and herbs like mint, köpöğlu, blending yogurt with fried eggplant and peppers, and atom, infusing yogurt with spicy peppers, are standard meze offerings found in most fish and meat restaurants. Cacik, another beloved yogurt-based dish, combines yogurt with grated cucumbers and mint, serving as a staple in home cooking.
During the summer, yogurt-based soups shine with refreshing flavors. Yayla çorbası, yarma, and lebeniye present a delightful array of options featuring yogurt as a key ingredient. These soups, enriched with chickpeas, cracked wheat, rice, or even small meatballs, are served warm or cool and skillfully infused with mint and thyme. Resembling Türkiye's version of gazpacho, yogurt-based soups require careful preparation to prevent curdling, necessitating consistent tempering and stirring.
Yogurt Elevates Savory Dishes and Provides a Soothing Touch Surprisingly, yogurt finds its place alongside Türkiye's most renowned kebabs. From Iskender kebab, crafted from doner, to çökertme, a flavorful combination of meat and shoestring-cut potatoes, yogurt serves as a refreshing complement to these robust dishes enhanced with rich tomato sauces. Manti, traditional Turkish dumplings usually filled with minced meat but also offering vegetarian alternatives, are generously adorned with yogurt mixed with garlic, drizzled with butter, and sometimes accompanied by a thick tomato sauce. In home cooking, yogurt becomes a near-necessity alongside rice and serves as a key ingredient in tray borek, a dish layered with filo dough, brushed with yogurt and butter, and filled with an assortment of ingredients, including cheese, spinach, greens, leeks, or minced meat.
Yogurt's Unexpected Skin Soothing Qualities Surprisingly, yogurt finds a unique application during summer as a topical remedy for sunburns. Though scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness is inconclusive, many find relief by gently applying yogurt to sunburned skin. The Türks perceive yogurt as a healing agent due to its delightful taste and its traditional usage to soothe stomach aches.
In summary, yogurt's pivotal role in Turkish cuisine extends far beyond expectations. Whether it's as a cherished ingredient, a refreshing drink, a key element in mezes, a comforting addition to soups, or a complement to savory dishes, yogurt proves its versatility and culinary prowess. Embracing yogurt as a dietary staple not only adds richness and flavor but also offers numerous health benefits, making it an indispensable component of Turkish culinary culture and a fascinating remedy during the scorching summer months.
Packed with vital nutrients such as protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, as well as vitamins B2 and B12, yogurt enhances nutrient absorption when enjoyed alongside other wholesome foods. Moreover, yogurt's gut-friendly nature brings forth an intriguing fact: dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, and serotonin, the hormone responsible for regulating mood, sleep, and overall well-being, are synthesized in the gut. Since 90% of serotonin resides in the gastrointestinal tract, increasing its levels through yogurt consumption contributes to a sense of well-being and positively impacts mental health.
Interestingly, while yogurt is commonly regarded in the Western world as a fruity snack, Türkiye's culinary tradition does not incorporate it as a sweet treat. While fruit-flavored yogurts can be found in markets, yogurt in Türkiye predominantly complements savory dishes. Given its remarkable health benefits, it becomes evident why yogurt assumes the role of a dietary staple.
Indulge in Ayran, an Acquired Refreshment Ayran, Türkiye's national beverage, stands out as one of the most popular ways to savor yogurt. This refreshing drink consists of diluted yogurt with a hint of salt. While consumed throughout the year, Ayran finds its true calling during the summer, offering a revitalizing respite from the sweltering sun and replenishing the body's lost salt due to perspiration. Ayran perfectly complements spicy, protein-rich meals and gradually becomes a cherished favorite for those who acquire a taste for its unique salty flavor. Notably, "yayık ayranı," a frothy variation of this savory drink, can be savored at traditional restaurants specializing in pides, flatbreads topped with an array of ingredients such as cheese, greens, and various meats. Served in glass mugs with handles, this delightful summer indulgence overflows with frothed-up ayran, exuding a smooth and airy texture. With a milder saltiness, it serves as a more accessible option. Many Turkish households prepare their own ayran, adjusting the salt according to personal preference. In fact, homemade yogurt is a common practice, with freshly sourced milk boiled, mixed with a yogurt starter, and incubated in warm glass jars for several hours to undergo fermentation.
Süzme Yogurt: A Creamy Delight Süzme yogurt, which undergoes an additional straining process, yields a lusciously thick consistency akin to sour cream. While available in markets, it is more commonly found in farmer's markets and cheese shops, where it reigns as the sole yogurt variety. This richer and creamier yogurt serves as a culinary specialty in Türkiye and can be enjoyed on its own or used to craft an exquisite selection of yogurt-based mezes, essential at traditional Turkish restaurants.
Yogurt Takes Center Stage in Mezes and Refreshing Soups Yogurt plays a central role in countless meze dishes, which encompass a diverse range of flavorful dips. Haydari, combining yogurt with garlic and herbs like mint, köpöğlu, blending yogurt with fried eggplant and peppers, and atom, infusing yogurt with spicy peppers, are standard meze offerings found in most fish and meat restaurants. Cacik, another beloved yogurt-based dish, combines yogurt with grated cucumbers and mint, serving as a staple in home cooking.
During the summer, yogurt-based soups shine with refreshing flavors. Yayla çorbası, yarma, and lebeniye present a delightful array of options featuring yogurt as a key ingredient. These soups, enriched with chickpeas, cracked wheat, rice, or even small meatballs, are served warm or cool and skillfully infused with mint and thyme. Resembling Türkiye's version of gazpacho, yogurt-based soups require careful preparation to prevent curdling, necessitating consistent tempering and stirring.
Yogurt Elevates Savory Dishes and Provides a Soothing Touch Surprisingly, yogurt finds its place alongside Türkiye's most renowned kebabs. From Iskender kebab, crafted from doner, to çökertme, a flavorful combination of meat and shoestring-cut potatoes, yogurt serves as a refreshing complement to these robust dishes enhanced with rich tomato sauces. Manti, traditional Turkish dumplings usually filled with minced meat but also offering vegetarian alternatives, are generously adorned with yogurt mixed with garlic, drizzled with butter, and sometimes accompanied by a thick tomato sauce. In home cooking, yogurt becomes a near-necessity alongside rice and serves as a key ingredient in tray borek, a dish layered with filo dough, brushed with yogurt and butter, and filled with an assortment of ingredients, including cheese, spinach, greens, leeks, or minced meat.
Yogurt's Unexpected Skin Soothing Qualities Surprisingly, yogurt finds a unique application during summer as a topical remedy for sunburns. Though scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness is inconclusive, many find relief by gently applying yogurt to sunburned skin. The Türks perceive yogurt as a healing agent due to its delightful taste and its traditional usage to soothe stomach aches.
In summary, yogurt's pivotal role in Turkish cuisine extends far beyond expectations. Whether it's as a cherished ingredient, a refreshing drink, a key element in mezes, a comforting addition to soups, or a complement to savory dishes, yogurt proves its versatility and culinary prowess. Embracing yogurt as a dietary staple not only adds richness and flavor but also offers numerous health benefits, making it an indispensable component of Turkish culinary culture and a fascinating remedy during the scorching summer months.