Turkish Iskender Kebab Recipe: Easy Homemade Method
Iskender Kebab is one of the famous and traditional Turkish dishes, which is served with a unique combination of grilled meat, pita bread, tomato sauce, yogurt, and hot butter. This authentic dish, whose birthplace is the city of Bursa in Turkey, is known not only throughout Turkey but also in many countries around the world as a symbol of Turkish cuisine.
Iskender Kebab is one of the main choices of tourists in Turkish restaurants due to its rich taste, appetizing appearance, and special serving method. In this article, you will learn about the history, ingredients, step-by-step preparation, professional tips, properties, possible harms, and method of serving Iskender Kebab.
What is Iskender Kebab?
Iskender Kebab is a type of traditional doner kebab that is placed on crushed pita bread and then served with hot tomato sauce, condensed yogurt, and melted butter. The meat of this kebab is usually made from lamb or beef and is sliced thinly. The main feature of İskender kebab is the combination of salty, sour, and buttery flavors that make it one of the most special Turkish dishes.
In Turkey, there are dishes like Tantuni and Lahmacun that are similar to Iskender Kebab but have a different aroma and flavor. And we recommend that you don’t forget to try Afghani Sheer Yakh after eating this kebab.
History of İskender kebab
İskender kebab was first invented in the 19th century by İskender Efendi in the city of Bursa. He was the first to cook the meat vertically on a rotating skewer and slice it into slices; a method that later became known as döner kebab all over the world. The name of this dish is taken from the name of its inventor, and today İskender kebab is considered one of the main symbols of Ottoman and Turkish cuisine.
Ingredients for Eskandar Kebab (4 people)
Main ingredients
| Beef or lamb | 500 grams (thinly sliced) |
| Pita bread or soft baguette | 2 pcs |
| Butter | 80 grams |
| Abstract yogurt | 1 cup |
| Salt | As needed |
| Black pepper | 2/1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 2/1 teaspoon |
| Thyme (optional) | A little |
Tomato sauce ingredients
| Grated tomatoes or tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive oil or butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and black pepper | As needed |
How to make Turkish Eskandar Kebab step by step
Step 1: Prepare the meat
Slice the meat into very thin slices. Then season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and a little olive oil and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cooking the Meat
Quickly fry the meat in a hot pan or on a high-heat grill until it remains soft and juicy. Be careful not to overcook the meat so that it does not dry out.
Step 3: Preparing the Tomato Sauce
In a pan, heat the oil or butter, add the tomato paste and fry for a while, then add the tomato puree, salt, and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes until it becomes thick and tasty.
Step 4: Preparing the Bread
Cut the pita bread into small pieces and arrange it on the bottom of a plate or serving tray. You can warm the bread a little in the oven or pan.
Step 5: Assembling the Iskander Kebab
Pour the hot meat over the bread, then spread the hot tomato sauce on it. Add the condensed yogurt on the side or on top of the food.
Step 6: Adding the hot butter
Finally, melt the butter in the pan until it foams a little and pour it hot over the food. This stage is the main secret of the flavor and aroma of Iskander Kebab.
Iskender Kebab
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Meat
- Slice the meat very thinly. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and a little olive oil. Rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Meat
- Heat a pan or grill on high heat and quickly cook the meat until soft and juicy. Do not overcook.
- Make the Tomato Sauce
- Heat oil or butter in a pan. Add tomato paste and sauté briefly. Add tomato puree, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 10 minutes until thick.
- Prepare the Bread
- Cut pita bread into small pieces and warm slightly. Arrange on the serving plate.
- Assemble the Iskender Kebab
- Place hot meat over the bread, then pour hot tomato sauce on top.
- Add Yogurt and Butter
- Add cold condensed yogurt on the side or over the dish. Melt the butter until slightly foamy and pour hot over the kebab.
Golden tips for professional Iskander Kebab
- Use fresh and thin meat
- The bread must be soft to absorb the sauce well
- The butter must be added at the last minute
- The yogurt must be condensed and cold
- The meat cooking temperature should be high and the time short
Properties of Iskander Kebab for the body (in moderate consumption)
Excellent source of protein
Red meat has complete protein and helps strengthen muscles.
Increase energy
The combination of bread, meat, and butter provides high energy.
Calcium supply
Abstract yogurt is a good source of calcium for bone health.
Helps repair tissues
The protein and iron in meat help regenerate cells.
Possible disadvantages of Iskander Kebab
High calories and fat
The presence of butter and fatty meat can cause weight gain.
High cholesterol
Its excessive consumption is not suitable for people with heart disease.
Heavy to digest
This food may be heavy for sensitive stomachs.
What to serve with Iskender Kebab?
- Seasonal salad or Turkish salad
- Doogh or Ayran
- Grilled peppers and grilled tomatoes
- Mild Turkish pickles
The place of Iskender Kebab in Turkish culture
Iskender Kebap is one of the dishes that almost all tourists try when traveling to Turkey. This dish is an important symbol of Ottoman cuisine and the city of Bursa, and is introduced as a special dish in many restaurants.
Summary
Turkish Iskender Kebab is one of the masterpieces of Turkish cuisine, offering a perfect combination of juicy meat, soft bread, tomato sauce, cool yogurt, and hot butter. This dish is a great choice for both formal parties and a special family meal. Travel to Turkey and you will definitely experience this dish, and if you are looking for an authentic and unforgettable taste experience, Iskender Kebab is one of the best choices.
FAQ for Iskender Kebab
1. What is Iskender Kebab?
Iskender Kebab is a traditional Turkish dish made with thinly sliced grilled meat served over pita bread, topped with hot tomato sauce, strained yogurt, and melted butter.
2. What kind of meat is used in Iskender Kebab?
Iskender Kebab is traditionally made with lamb or a mix of lamb and beef, sliced very thin for a tender and juicy texture.
3. What makes Iskender Kebab different from doner kebab?
Unlike doner kebab, which is usually served as a sandwich or wrap, Iskender Kebab is plated with bread, yogurt, tomato sauce, and hot butter poured on top.
4. Can Iskender Kebab be made at home?
Yes, Iskender Kebab can be prepared at home using thinly sliced meat cooked in a hot pan or grill, without the need for a vertical doner spit.
5. Is Iskender Kebab high in calories?
Yes, Iskender Kebab is a high-calorie dish due to the combination of meat, butter, bread, and sauce, so it is best enjoyed in moderation.