SEK Tam Yağlı Beyaz Peynir 800g

Few things say Turkish breakfast quite like a block of brined Turkish white cheese on the table. This 800g pack from SEK is the full-fat version, which means a softer bite, a creamier finish and that clean, salty tang you want next to warm bread, ripe tomatoes and a handful of olives.

A Closer Look at Turkish White Cheese

Beyaz peynir simply means "white cheese", and in Turkey it is as everyday as cheddar is here. It is a fresh cheese matured in brine, which keeps it moist and gives it its characteristic saltiness. People often compare it to feta, and the two certainly look alike, yet the Turkish style tends to be less crumbly and slightly milder, with a texture that slices cleanly rather than falling apart.

Choosing a full-fat white cheese makes a real difference to that texture. The extra richness rounds off the salt, so each piece feels smooth on the tongue instead of chalky. It also behaves better in cooking, softening nicely in a hot pastry without turning watery.

How Turkish Families Use It

Ask ten Turkish cooks how they use their Turkish white cheese and you will get ten different answers, which tells you how much ground it covers in the kitchen. Here are a few of the most common.

At the Breakfast Table

The simplest way is the best. Cut a few slices, drizzle them with olive oil and add a pinch of dried mint or pul biber. Serve with simit or crusty bread, sliced cucumber, honey and a pot of black tea. As a Turkish breakfast cheese it is hard to beat, and it pairs just as happily with watermelon on a hot summer afternoon.

In Pastries and Bakes

Crumble it with chopped parsley to fill sigara böreği, the thin fried pastry rolls, or layer it into a tray of su böreği. It also makes a lovely filling for gözleme and homemade pide, and a few cubes stirred into scrambled eggs at the last minute give you something close to a Turkish brunch in minutes.

In Salads

Toss cubes through a shepherd's salad of tomato, cucumber, pepper and onion, or crumble it over roasted vegetables, lentils and grains for an easy weekday lunch.

Keeping It Fresh

White cheese stays at its best when it sits in its brine, so keep any unused portion submerged in a sealed container in the fridge. If you find a piece a little too salty for your taste, soak it in cold water or milk for half an hour before serving. Always follow the date and storage guidance printed on the pack.

Order SEK Turkish White Cheese Online

The generous 800g size is ideal for families and anyone who eats white cheese daily, since it saves frequent top-ups. At Robin Food you can build a full breakfast basket in one go: add Afyon sucuk for sucuk and eggs, a jar of Gemlik olives and some fig jam for the sweet side of the spread. We deliver across the UK, with same-day delivery available in many parts of London.

Please read the pack for full ingredient and allergen details. Contains milk.