Ep 4. Episode 4

Food Safari is an Australian television series that explores the diverse cultural cuisine of different countries. In season 4, episode 4, viewers are taken on a culinary journey to discover the food of Turkey.

The episode begins with the host, Maeve O'Meara, introducing the historical and cultural significance of Turkish food. As a country that spans across two continents, Turkey's food culture is an eclectic mix of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean flavors that came from centuries of trading and invasions.

To showcase the diversity of Turkish cuisine, Maeve visits several culinary experts and home cooks throughout the episode. At the first stop, she meets a Turkish chef who specializes in making baklava, a sweet pastry that is popular in Turkey. The chef demonstrates how to make baklava from scratch, starting from the delicate phyllo pastry, to the sweet honey syrup that binds the layers together. Viewers can almost taste the flaky and fragrant pastry just from watching the demonstration.

Next, Maeve visits a small Turkish restaurant that serves kebabs. The owner explains that kebabs are a staple of Turkey's street food culture, where people can easily grab a quick and satisfying meal. The owner demonstrates how to make the traditional Turkish adana kebab, which is minced lamb with herbs and spices, served with grilled flatbread and fresh vegetables. The skewers sizzle on the grill, releasing a mouth-watering aroma that makes viewers crave for a bite.

Moving on to the next stop, Maeve visits a family who makes dolma, a vegetarian dish that consists of stuffed vegetables. The family recipe has been passed down for generations, and they take pride in using fresh and wholesome ingredients. They show Maeve how to make their version of stuffed grape leaves, which is filled with rice, herbs, and tomatoes, cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. Maeve is impressed by the comforting and nourishing quality of the dish, and how it represents the connection between family and food.

To showcase the seafood culture in Turkey, Maeve visits a coastal town where fishing is a way of life. She meets a fisherman who catches bluefish from the sea, and a woman who prepares the fish in a traditional Turkish way. The woman marinates the bluefish in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, then grills it over charcoal until it is juicy and golden. Maeve enjoys the fresh and succulent fish, and appreciates how the simplicity of the preparation method lets the fish's natural qualities shine.

In the final stop of the episode, Maeve meets a Turkish family who celebrates the end of Ramadan with a feast. The family prepares a variety of dishes, including lamb pilaf, lentil soup, and spinach and feta börek. They explain that this feast, called Eid al-Fitr, is a time to gather with loved ones and share flavors that represent their cultural identity. Maeve is touched by the warmth and generosity of the family and how food can bring people together.

The episode ends with Maeve summarizing the beauty of Turkish cuisine and how it reflects the country's rich history and diverse culture. Viewers not only get to witness the mouth-watering dishes but also learn about the stories and traditions behind the food. It is a satisfying and enlightening journey, and viewers might find themselves craving for some Turkish food afterward.