ISKENDER KEBAP
" In Bursa's streets, where legends roam,
A culinary tale finds its home.
Iskender Kebap, a dish of fame,
Alexander's name etched in its claim "
WHAT IS ISKENDER KEBAP?
Iskender Kebap, also known as Alexander Kebab, is a popular Turkish dish named after Alexander the Great (Iskender is the Turkish version of the name Alexander). It is a type of doner kebab that originated in Bursa, Turkey.
The traditional Iskender Kebap consists of thin slices of grilled lamb or beef, cooked on a vertical rotisserie, known as a doner. The meat is usually marinated with various spices and seasonings to enhance its flavor. Once cooked, the meat is then thinly sliced and served over pieces of pita bread.
What sets Iskender Kebap apart from regular doner kebabs is the way it is served. The sliced meat is usually topped with a rich tomato sauce and melted butter, giving it a distinctive and delicious flavor. Additionally, it is accompanied by a side of yogurt, roasted vegetables, and sometimes grilled green peppers.
The combination of tender meat, flavorful tomato sauce, butter, and yogurt makes Iskender Kebap a truly delightful and satisfying dish enjoyed by locals and visitors alike in Turkey and beyond. It's a must-try if you have the opportunity to sample Turkish cuisine.
COMPLETE RECIPE FOR MAKING ISKENDER KEBAP AT HOME
Here's a full recipe for making Iskender Kebap at home. Keep in mind that traditional Iskender Kebap involves a bit of preparation and cooking, but the end result is well worth the effort.
Ingredients:
For the Meat:
⦁ - 500g lamb or beef (thinly sliced)
⦁ - 2 tablespoons olive oil
⦁ - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
⦁ - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
⦁ - 1 teaspoon paprika
⦁ - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
⦁ - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
⦁ - 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Tomato Sauce:
⦁ - 2 tablespoons olive oil
⦁ - 1 small onion (finely chopped)
⦁ - 2 cloves garlic (minced)
⦁ - 400g canned crushed tomatoes
⦁ - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
⦁ - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
⦁ - 1 teaspoon paprika
⦁ - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
⦁ - Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
⦁ - Fresh pita bread or lavash
⦁ - 100g butter (melted)
⦁ - Thick yogurt
Optional Accompaniments:
⦁ - Grilled green peppers
⦁ - Charred tomatoes
⦁ - Roasted vegetables
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Meat:
⦁ - In a bowl, mix olive oil, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
⦁ - Add the thinly sliced meat to the marinade, ensuring it's well coated.
⦁ - Cover the bowl and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for better flavor.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
⦁ - In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
⦁ - Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
⦁ - Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⦁ - Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper.
⦁ - Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Cook the Meat:
⦁ - Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat.
⦁ - Thread the marinated meat onto skewers if using a grill or place the slices directly on a hot grill pan.
⦁ - Cook the meat for a few minutes on each side until it's nicely browned and cooked through.
4. Assemble the Iskender Kebap:
⦁ - Warm the pita bread or lavash.
⦁ - Lay the bread pieces on a serving platter.
⦁ - Arrange the cooked meat slices on top of the bread.
5. Add the Toppings:
⦁ - Drizzle the melted butter over the meat and bread.
⦁ - Pour a generous amount of tomato sauce over the meat and bread as well.
6. Serve:
⦁ - Serve the Iskender Kebap with a side of thick yogurt and any optional accompaniments you like.
" So raise your fork, savor each bite,
Embrace the flavors, sheer delight.
Iskender Kebap, a gift divine,
A taste of history, forever entwined "
To enjoy Iskender Kebap, tear off pieces of the bread along with the meat and sauce, and don't forget to dip it in the yogurt. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish that will transport you to the streets of Turkey!
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