Iskender Kebab
User Reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Excellent
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
689 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Turkish
Iskender Kebab
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Iskender Kebab (or kebap) is undoubtedly one of Turkey's most iconic dishes. It is made with tender slices of döner kebab meat served over pita bread and topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, grilled vegetables, melted butter, and creamy yogurt.
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Ingredients
For Doner Meat
- 500 g ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion (grated and juiced)
- 2 tablespoon plain natural yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Tomato Sauce
- ½ tablespoon butter
- 1 ½ tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 medium tomatoes (grated)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup water
For Serving Iskender Kebab
- 4 pita bread
- 50 g butter
- 150 g thick strained yogurt or Greek yogurt
- 2 Turkish green peppers
- 1 tomato
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Instructions
Preparing Doner Meat
- Grate the onion and squeeze out the juice. You can save the pulp to make delicious recipes such as Turkish Grilled Lamb Kofta - Izgara Kofte or Turkish Sarma Lamb Beyti Kebab. Set the juice aside to use for doner kebab.
- Combine the ground lamb or beef, onion juice, yogurt, salt, paprika, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix well for 8 to 10 minutes, until all are thoroughly combined and the mixture is firm.
- Cover the bowl and let it marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight if you have time.
- When the meat is marinated, place it on a large piece of tin foil. Shape it into a log or cylinder, about 2-3 inches in diameter, and wrap it tightly, making sure it is compact and holds its shape.
- Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with aluminum foil.
- Thread two skewers through the log; they will make it easier to hold the doner vertically and slice thinly.
- Place the doner log on the baking tray and cook the doner meat in your preheated oven for 50 minutes.
- Remove the doner from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Peel off the tin foil and shave the meat thinly using a very sharp knife.
- Return the sliced meat to the baking tray and place it in the oven for another 5-6 minutes, until the doner meat slices are nicely browned.
Preparing the Tomato Sauce
- I start making the sauce while resting the doner kebab meat.
- Heat a pan and melt ½ tablespoon of butter. Add tomato paste and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in the grated tomatoes along with water, and let them simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.
Assembling the Layers
- Slice your pita bread into bite-sized squares. Toast these pieces in a skillet with a little butter for a crispy texture. The toasted bread soaks up the sauce beautifully, making it an essential base for this dish.
- Arrange the toasted pita pieces on a plate. Spoon the warm tomato sauce over the pita, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Layer the cooked and sliced doner meat generously over the pita bread.
- Next, add dollops of yogurt around the edges and drizzle generous amount of sizzling melted butter on top.
- For an authentic touch, garnish with grilled Turkish chili and tomato wedges on the side.
Equipments used:
Notes
- The meat is the star of this dish; It should have a minimum of 20% fat for the most delicious doner kebabs. The high-fat content helps keep the doner kebab juicy during cooking.
- Mix the doner kebab mixture for at least 8 to 10 minutes, until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture is firm.
- Marinating the doner meat mixture is very important. The longer the it marinates, the better the flavor will be. Overnight is best, but if you’re in a hurry, aim for at least 2 hours
- The sizzling melted butter drizzled on top isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s a key component that brings everything together.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
689kcal
(34%)
Carbohydrates
45g
(15%)
Protein
32g
(64%)
Fat
42g
(65%)
Saturated Fat
20g
(100%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
15g
Trans Fat
0.5g
Cholesterol
125mg
(42%)
Sodium
1413mg
(59%)
Potassium
921mg
(26%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Vitamin A
1764IU
(35%)
Vitamin C
70mg
(78%)
Calcium
154mg
(15%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 689 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 689kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 42g | 65% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 125mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 1413mg | 59% |
| Potassium | 921mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1764IU | 35% |
| Vitamin C | 70mg | 78% |
| Calcium | 154mg | 15% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
3 reviews
Excellent
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