Öncü Mild Pepper Paste – 700 g

Open almost any Turkish fridge and you will find a jar of mild pepper paste close at hand. This 700g jar from Öncü is made from sun-ripened red peppers cooked down into a thick, deep red paste, giving soups, stews, sauces and marinades a rich, sweet pepper flavour without fiery heat.

The Secret Behind Many Turkish Dishes

If you have ever wondered why Turkish home cooking tastes so deeply savoury, the answer is often salça. This is the Turkish word for concentrated pastes made from tomatoes or peppers, and it is used the way stock cubes or tomato purée might be used elsewhere. A spoonful fried in a little oil at the start of cooking adds colour, depth and a gentle sweetness that runs through the whole dish.

The sweet pepper version, known as tatlı biber salçası, is especially popular in southern and eastern Turkey, where red peppers are grown in huge quantities and dried or pasted every late summer. Families traditionally spread crushed peppers on large trays on rooftops, letting the sun slowly concentrate the flavour.

Sweet, Rich and Easy to Use

This is a Turkish red pepper paste with a smooth texture and a mellow, slightly smoky sweetness. Because it is mild, you can use it generously without worrying about heat, which makes it ideal for family cooking and for anyone who prefers gentle flavours. If you enjoy a bit more spice, mix it with a little hot pepper paste or chilli flakes to suit your taste.

How to Use Mild Pepper Paste

• Fry a spoonful with onions at the start of soups such as lentil, tarhana or ezogelin.
• Stir into bean, chickpea and vegetable stews for depth and colour.
• Mix with olive oil, yoghurt, garlic and spices for a chicken or lamb marinade.
• Knead into bulgur for kısır or çiğ köfte.
• Add to rice or bulgur pilaf for a rosy colour and fuller flavour.
• Spread thinly over pide or flatbread dough before adding toppings.
• Whisk into butter to make a quick red sauce for mantı.

A Simple Tip

Always cook the paste for a minute or two in hot oil or butter before adding liquid. This takes away any raw edge and caramelises the natural sugars, bringing out its full, rounded flavour.

A Generous Jar

The 700g size suits households that cook Turkish food regularly, since you will find yourself reaching for a spoonful of mild pepper paste several times a week. It works out better value than buying small tubes, and it keeps well in the fridge once opened. Öncü is a well-known Turkish brand for pastes, sauces and preserved vegetables, and this jar delivers the familiar taste many people grew up with.

Storage

Once opened, keep refrigerated and use a clean, dry spoon each time. Smooth the surface and pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to help it stay fresh for longer. Please check the label for the best before date and full allergen information.

Order Online From Robin Food

Robin Food delivers Turkish pantry essentials across the UK, with same-day delivery available in many London areas. Pair your jar with our hot pepper paste, tomato paste and fine bulgur.