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Iskender Kebab Pepper Traditional Turkish Food

Iskender Kebab

Iskender Kebab is a traditional Turkish dish from Bursa made with thinly sliced grilled meat served over pita bread, topped with hot tomato sauce, condensed yogurt, and melted butter.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Turkish
Calories: 900

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients
  • Beef or lamb thinly sliced: 500 g
  • Pita bread or soft baguette: 2 pieces
  • Butter: 80 g
  • Condensed strained yogurt: 1 cup
  • Salt: to taste
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Paprika: ½ tsp
  • Thyme optional: a little
  • Tomato Sauce Ingredients
  • Grated tomatoes or tomato puree: 2 cups
  • Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
  • Olive oil or butter: 1 tbsp
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Meat
  2. 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.
  3. Cook the Meat
  4. Heat a pan or grill on high heat and quickly cook the meat until soft and juicy. Do not overcook.
  5. Make the Tomato Sauce
  6. 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.
  7. Prepare the Bread
  8. Cut pita bread into small pieces and warm slightly. Arrange on the serving plate.
  9. Assemble the Iskender Kebab
  10. Place hot meat over the bread, then pour hot tomato sauce on top.
  11. Add Yogurt and Butter
  12. Add cold condensed yogurt on the side or over the dish. Melt the butter until slightly foamy and pour hot over the kebab.