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Table balance

Alongside

Plain rice or fresh bread rounds the acidity and steadies the plate.

Afterwards

After a spice-forward plate, a plain herbal infusion clears the palate. After a light main there is room for a syrupy dessert in this meal.

Table balance

Alongside

Plain rice or fresh bread rounds the acidity and steadies the plate.

Afterwards

Soup opens the meal: if a heavy main follows, keep its portion smaller.

Table balance

Alongside

Pickles or an onion-and-lemon salad: acidity cuts the fat and lightens the plate. Plain rice or fresh bread rounds the acidity and steadies the plate.

To drink

Ayran (salted yogurt drink) or turnip juice — the classic partner to a rich meat plate.

Afterwards

Plain brewed tea; if you still want dessert, keep the portion small and wait a little.

Table balance

Alongside

A lemon wedge and fresh bread; a heavy meat plate alongside would hide the dish entirely.

Easy to miss

Olive-oil dishes are not eaten straight from the fridge; the aroma opens near room temperature.

Table balance

Alongside

A lemon wedge and fresh bread; a heavy meat plate alongside would hide the dish entirely.

Afterwards

After a light main there is room for a syrupy dessert in this meal.

Easy to miss

Olive-oil dishes are not eaten straight from the fridge; the aroma opens near room temperature.

Table balance

Alongside

Grilled pepper and tomato with sumac onion is the classic foil to the smoke of the fire.