A classic Turkish broth-based main dish (Sulu Yemek) featuring tender chicken drumsticks, golden potatoes, and carrots in a silky lemon-flour sauce.
Servings 4people
Course Main Course
Cuisine Turkish
Ingredients
The Base
2lbsChicken drumsticks (about 5–6 pieces)
1largeOnion, diced
2mediumCarrots (1 grated, 1 sliced)
3-4clovesGarlic, minced
1tbspButter
1-2tbspVegetable oil (for searing)
2-3mediumPotatoes, cut into large chunks
6cupsWater (or chicken broth)
1tspSalt
½tspBlack pepper
¼tspGround turmeric (optional)
The "Terbiye" (Silky Dressing)
1tbspAll-purpose flour
2tbspFresh lemon juice
½cupWarm water
Equipment
Large Deep Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for simmering the chicken and veggies together.
Slotted Spoon: To easily remove the foam from the surface of the broth.
Small Whisk: (If using the terbiye method) To ensure the lemon and egg mixture is perfectly smooth.
Vegetable Peeler & Chef's Knife: For prepping those hearty carrots and potatoes.
Method
Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Sear the chicken drumsticks until golden brown on all sides to lock in the flavor. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add butter, diced onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the carrot dyes the butter a rich gold.
Add the sliced carrot rounds and sauté for 2 more minutes.
Return the chicken to the pot. Add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low-medium, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the potato chunks. Continue simmering until both the chicken and potatoes are fork-tender.
Whisk flour, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of water until smooth. Add a ladle of the hot stew liquid to this mixture to warm it up (tempering), then pour it back into the pot while stirring.
Add salt, pepper, and turmeric. Simmer for 5 more minutes until the broth achieves a silky, slightly thickened consistency. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
When adding the lemon-flour mixture (terbiye), reduce the heat to low and stir constantly. Boiling too aggressively after adding lemon can cause the broth to separate or taste slightly bitter.