The name derives from Old Turkic word türlüg meaning "variety". Türlü may be cooked in a clay cooking pot called güveç. This type is called türlü güveç in Turkey and in Bulgaria. The Macedonian version, turli tava, is traditionally made in a similar earthenware cooking pot, called tava.[6]
The basic ingredients of türlü vary greatly. The dish usually includes potatoes, eggplants and okra. Green beans, bell peppers, carrots, courgette, tomatoes, onions and garlic can also be added. Meat versions are made with beef or lamb, in the Balkans also with pork. Other usual ingredients are cooking oil, water, salt, black pepper or crushed red pepper, tomato paste or pepper paste. All these ingredients are mixed and baked in an oven.[2][3][4][5][6] The dish can be served with rice and yogurt on the side.