Usually 2-3 bay leaves are plenty (too many can make a dish bitter) in a dish serving 4 to 6 people. Generally, bay leaves are removed before serving.
Turkish Bay Leaves Q&A
What are Turkish bay leaves?
Turkish bay leaves are milder and sweeter bay leaves, and are typically the type of bay leaf to use when a recipe calls for the inclusion of bay leaves. California bay leaves are a bit stronger in flavor, and if you're cooking with fresh bay leaves instead of dry, they'll typically be Californian leaves.
What are Turkish bay leaves good for?
Dried Turkish bay leaves are good for stews, soups, sauces, roasts, marinades, and almost any other cooking application that requires a slow cooking process. They're also good for pickling brines.
Do Turkish bay leaves taste different?
Turkish bay leaves have a bit more of a nuanced, sweet taste that's mild overall in comparison to other bay leaves.