The vegetarian side of Gaziantep kitchen known with meat dishes

Gaziantep, which is one of the important settlements of our country, has a unique cuisine that coloring the Turkish Cuisine with its variety of dishes. Gaziantep cuisine culture has diversified thanks to it has hosted many cultures throughout history. So, It is foreseen that Gaziantep cuisine may be a source for different types of nutrition. The main purpose of this study is to prove that Gaziantep cuisine has original recipes that can meet different needs or preferences as well as its generally known character- well known with meat dishes-, and to show that it can contribute to regional culinary development. For this purpose, literature research was made using different sources. Cookbooks containing original recipes of Gaziantep cuisine were examined. With the face-to-face interview technique, 12 volunteer participants were interviewed and information about Antep cuisine was obtained. With this information, recipes that can be shown as a source of vegetarian nutrition were reached. These recipes organized by type and the ingredients of the recipes were examined according to their food groups. Each food group obtained was evaluated within the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. As a result, in the study, 121 recipes that are prepared using natural foods of Gaziantep cuisine and have high nutritional value are included for individuals who prefer vegetarian diet. In this way, both the potential of Gaziantep cuisine was academically addressed and new dietary source has been identified for vegetarian individuals. Key words: Gastronomy, Gaziantep, Vegetarian, Cuisine, Nutrition