Engin Akin

Turkish cooks have long loved eggplant with lamb. Here's one reason why.

Yufka (Turkish pastry sheets) are sold at Middle Eastern markets and online at bestturkishfood.com. Phyllo pastry can also be used. Unlike in many recipes, the pastry here isn't brushed with butter.

Start with the first of three small plates (or mezes): this one, the cheese rolls, and the spinach. WHAT TO DRINK: Pour a crisp, dry rosé throughout the meal.

Turkish cooking might sound exotic, but it's easy. Most of the ingredients are familiar, and combining them in new ways makes for an exciting and different way to eat. This is an excellent side salad for lamb chops. For a great small-plates dinner party menu that's modern Turkish cooking at its best, pick up the May issue of Bon Appétit.