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Traditional Cypriot recipes made easy


Kuru fasulye yahni (white bean stew)
Kuru fasulye yahni is a popular and comforting Cypriot white bean stew , with variations of the dish found in Greece and Turkey. Tender white beans are simmered gently in a rich tomato sauce with onions, celery, parsley and a generous amount of ground black pepper for a satisfying warmth. The dish is served simply with quartered onions or spring onions, olives, bread or rice on the side. You can use any variety of white bean you prefer, with most Turkish food stores stocking


Molohiya (jute mallow leaf stew)
Molohiya, also known as molokhia, mulukhiyah, or jute mallow, is a vibrant green leafy vegetable . Pronounced ' moh-loh-hee-yah', i ts leaves are used in a variety of dishes in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines. Cypriots use the dried leaves to make a hearty stew which shares the name of the vegetable. In villages, it’s a common summer evening activity to gather with friends and family to strip leaves from freshly picked plants while sharing gossip ov
A bit about us
At The Köy Kitchen, we share traditional Cypriot recipes along with tips, techniques and stories that bring the flavours of Cyprus to your home.



Tava (oven-baked lamb and potatoes)
Tava is a traditional oven-baked lamb dish that's popular in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. In Turkish, tava means 'pan', which reflects how it is prepared. Chunky cuts of lamb neck are slow-cooked in a richly flavoured tomato sauce until soft and tender. It's hearty and comforting, making it perfect for a cosy weekend shared with family and friends. The sauce is deeply fragrant from the use of oregano, cumin, cinnamon and bay leaves. A generous amount of sliced onions also adds


Fırın makarnası (Cypriot pasta bake)
Fırın makarnası is a mouthwatering Cypriot baked pasta dish that brings everyone to the table and is traditionally made for family gatherings and celebrations. Every household makes it a little differently, but the heart of the recipe is always the same: neatly layered bucatini pasta, savoury minced meat, and a rich cheese and béchamel sauce. We bring a touch of British influence to our fırın makarnası recipe by adding cheddar cheese to the sauce, which gives it a stronger f


Köy keki (Cyprus village cake)
Köy keki (kuh-y keh-kee) means 'village cake' in Turkish. It is soft and delicately sweet, with the generous addition of orange and lemon zest bringing a refreshing citrus brightness to the cake, making each bite feel light to eat. Chopped almonds and walnuts add a lovely contrast to the sponge-like texture, as well as a depth of flavour. Using a Bundt tin helps the cake bake evenly and is recommended for this recipe. Traditionally, köy keki was baked in large round pans in a


Sütlü muhallebi (milk pudding)
Sütlü muhallebi is a light, milk-based pudding that's popular in Cyprus, Turkey and across the Middle East, with local variations in ingredients and toppings. It’s known for its smooth, silky texture and delicate balance of floral and creamy flavours. In our recipe, milk is whisked together with sugar, vanilla extract, rose water and cornflour (cornstarch), then gently cooked until thickened into a smooth custard. Once ready, it is ladled into small bowls and topped with a sp
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