Secret Church

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Turkish Pide Posted: 04 Apr 2014 07:37 AM PDT Over the next couple months, we'll be sharing a wide range of information (including food and culture) about the Secret Church 14 prayer focus, the Peoples of Turkey. Read more at the prayer focus website, HopeForTurkey.com. There’s still time to REGISTER for the Secret Church 14: “The Cross and Everyday Life” simulcast. As our team traveled around Turkey last fall we couldn't help but be enveloped by the friendliness of the people and the sense of community.  Wherever you go the park, the shops, the restaurants, there are always a few tables and chairs where you can stop for a few minutes, have a cup of chai and visit with your neighbors.  It is utterly charming, enticing, and welcoming.  If you visit one of these shops or restaurants all you have to do is order some chai, sit down at one of the little tables and before you know it you have five or more new best friends!  And meal times in Turkey are no exception. On our visit we frequented some of the local restaurants and had the opportunity to experience the great hospitality Turkey has to offer.  Turkish food is rich, savory, and comforting.  Mealtime isn't rushed or hurried.  When you sit down for a Turkish meal you settle in, make yourself comfortable, and prepare yourself for good food and good conversation. One of our more memorable meals was pide, the Turkish equivalent of pizza.  Pide has a buttery, soft crust, but instead of the typical pizza shape we're used to it's formed in the shape of a tapered oval and filled with various toppings.  My favorite was pide with ground lamb, tomatoes, spices and cheese. At one of the restaurants we visited they pride themselves on their pide.  And they should… it was impressive!   There were about 8 of us and we ordered several pide with various fillings.  We had no idea what we were in for.  This particular restaurant created pides that were enormously long, taking up the entire length of our table. This was definitely not something you would eat alone! Armed with several napkins each we began to devour these lovely creations.  Oh, so good!  But most of all we enjoyed each other and great conversation around these monstrous pides. We shouldn't have been surprised.  This is Turkey after all! This is one aspect of Turkish culture I dearly love and look forward to experiencing it again the next time I return. Hosting a small group for Secret Church on Good Friday? Serve them pide (here’s a recipe)!

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