Turkish Ravioli (or manti) with Turkish Red Pepper
Our friends, Delek and Murat, always make Turkish bulgar salad for us when we get together, and one of the key ingredients is a type of red pepper that comes from Turkey and is exceptionally difficult to come by in the U.S. Its rich, savory bite is just the right ingredient to distinguish Murat's kisir as one of the most delicious foods I've ever tasted. (Don't even get me started...)

Imagine my surpise when today, in Oakland, my husband and I stumbled upon this little Turkish restaurant on Piedmont Street called, "Zatis" where they served Turkish ravioli called "manti" in a fresh tomato sauce and lo! The same delicious type of red pepper was all over the top of it!




These three, perfect manti were stuffed with a mild Turkish cheese that, if I recally correctly, is called, "Pinar Kashkaval" but I could be mistaken. They were laced with a variety of shredded fresh herbs that were also sprinkled on top...parsley...basil...and were surrounded by a fresh, bright tomato sauce and topped by the incredible pepper.

There simply aren't words.....

MMMMMmmmmmmmmmm!