Add to Recipe BookIskender Kebab is one of my favorite food. Today we will be making the most beautiful Iskender Kebab (iskender kebabi.) I can tell you came pretty close to this recipe if you regularly following our website and practicing our recipes. If you are a fan of Turkish food, I’m sure you are familiar with Iskender Kebab. The very famous food in the Bursa region Turkey is made of Turkish Meat Doner, Turkish Pide Bread, and a beautiful tomato sauce. If you are a loyal follower of the Turkish Food Chef, you can just take out your doner and pide bread from your freezer and prepare this dish by just cooking a tomato sauce. Please prepare to spoil your taste buds. Just try it and you will love love love!
When you take a bite of Turkish Iskender Kebab, the rich flavors and aromatic spices will transport you to the bustling streets of Bursa. The sizzle of the meat, the warmth of the bread, and the savory sauce all come together in perfect harmony. But what sets this dish apart from other kebabs? The answer lies in the intricate details of its preparation and the cultural significance behind each component. Stay tuned to uncover the secrets behind this beloved Turkish dish and how it has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many worldwide.
Originating in Bursa, Turkey, in the late 19th century, Iskender Kebab has a rich history tied to the culinary expertise of Iskender Efendi. Iskender Efendi, renowned for pioneering vertical meat baking, created this iconic dish that has become a staple in Turkish cuisine.
The method of vertically roasting the meat on a rotating spit guarantees even cooking and allows the meat’s juices to drip down, resulting in exceptionally tender and flavorful kebabs.
Iskender Kebab quickly gained popularity across Turkey, becoming a beloved dish served in various restaurants. The original Iskender Kebab restaurant in Bursa, where it all began, still operates today, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Maintaining authenticity and quality, the Iskenderoglu family has trademarked the dish, preserving its traditional preparation and flavors. This dedication to heritage has solidified Iskender Kebab’s position as a timeless favorite in Turkish culinary culture.
Ingredients for Iskender Kebabi
Crafting a delicious Iskender Kebabi requires a selection of key ingredients. Thinly sliced döner kebab meat is the centerpiece of this renowned Turkish dish, complemented by a spiced tomato sauce that adds a burst of flavor.
The dish is traditionally served on a base of warm pita bread, providing a hearty and satisfying texture. To enhance the richness of the kebab, a generous drizzle of melted butter, preferably special sheep’s milk butter, is lavished over the meat and bread.
These ingredients combine harmoniously to create the iconic Iskender Kebabi, a popular Turkish dish enjoyed for its delectable combination of flavors and textures. Named after its creator, Iskender Efendi, this dish continues to be a celebrated part of Turkish culinary heritage, with the tomato sauce and melted butter adding a final touch of indulgence to each serving.
Cooking Process and Techniques
To prepare Iskender kebab, the cooking process involves slow-cooking thinly sliced döner kebab meat over fire before serving. The marinated meat is carefully placed on a rotating vertical spit and cooked slowly to perfection. Once ready, the döner kebab is thinly sliced using a sharp knife, creating a tender and flavorful meat that’s the heart of this iconic Turkish dish.
In addition to the döner kebab, the hot tomato sauce plays a vital role in enhancing the taste of Iskender kebab. The tomato sauce is prepared with a blend of spices, herbs, and ripe tomatoes, simmered to a rich consistency that complements the succulent meat.
Moreover, melted butter made from special sheep’s milk is generously drizzled over the dish, adding a rich and savory flavor that ties all the components together. These cooking techniques are essential in capturing the essence of Turkish cuisine and ensuring a delightful culinary experience with every bite of Iskender kebab.
Serving and Eating Iskender Kebab
When serving and enjoying Iskender Kebab, remember to savor the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make this iconic Turkish dish a culinary delight. Start by placing the warm pide bread on a serving dish and arranging the succulent grilled meat on top. Drizzle a generous amount of tomato sauce over the meat, ensuring it soaks into the bread. Finish by adding a dollop of yogurt and a decadent drizzle of melted butter to enhance the dish’s richness.
As you explore your Iskender Kebab, relish the tender meat, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy yogurt. Take a bite that captures the crispy texture of the pide bread and the juicy flavors of the grilled vegetables on the side.
Each mouthful offers a symphony of tastes that will leave your palate satisfied and craving more of this traditional Turkish delight. Enjoy the experience of eating Iskender Kebab as you uncover the perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors.
Variations and Regional Influences
Exploring Turkey’s diverse culinary landscape reveals a myriad of variations and regional influences on the classic Iskender Kebab. Variations of this iconic dish extend beyond the traditional lamb or beef, with some versions incorporating chicken, veal, or meat substitutes like eggplant and mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Regional adaptations introduce unique sauces like garlic yogurt and additional ingredients like peppers, onions, or local herbs to enhance the flavors. Modern interpretations of Iskender Kebab may surprise you with adding cheese or innovative presentations that elevate the dish.
Each region in Turkey offers its take on Iskender Kebab, infusing local ingredients and culinary traditions to create distinct variations that celebrate the country’s diverse gastronomy. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or are excited to explore new twists, Iskender Kebab continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic culinary landscape of Turkey through its rich history and flavorful adaptations.
Turkish Iskender Kebab – Iskender Kebabi Recipe
ISKENDER KEBAB RECIPE
If you are looking for Iskender Kebab at home, you can see the recipe below:
TURKISH ISKENDER KEBAB – ISKENDER KEBABI
Ingredients
FOR THE DONER:
- Half a kilo of ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Ground red pepper black pepper, cumin
FOR 2 PIDE BREADS:
- 2 1/2 cups warm water not hot
- Half a pack of fresh yeast or 1 pack of dry yeast about 1 tablespoon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 5 - 5 1/2 cups flour 200ml classic water glass
FOR TOMATO SAUCE:
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup of grated tomatoes
- 1 cup of hot water
- 3 tablespoons of ketchup
- Salt
TO PLATE:
- Butter
- Plain yogurt
- Rice Pilaf optional
Instructions
DONER:
- Clean the onion and cut it very finely in a food processor.
- Add ground beef, plain yogurt, spices, and salt and continue to grind in a food processor.
- Continue mixing in the food processor for about 5 minutes.
- Take it on stretch film and roll it up well.
- Freeze in the freezer for 1 night.
- The next day, take it out of the freezer and let it sit for half an hour until it has the consistency to cut.
- Thinly slice your still frozen doner.
- Throw it directly into the hot pan that you have greased lightly and fry both sides.
PIDE BREAD:
- Put water, yeast, and sugar in a suitable bowl and mix until the yeast dissolves.
- Add salt and flour.
- Knead a dough that sticks slightly to the hand.
- At the last stage, you can gather the dough together by lubricating your hand with oil.
- Add 5 cups of flour and make a flexible dough as you can see in the video below. (The amount of dough may vary depending on the quality of your flour. If your flour is insufficient, try adding half a glass of flour gradually to achieve the desired consistency.)
- Cover the dough and ferment for 45 minutes.
- Divide the fermented dough in half.
- Open in an oval/round shape on a floured counter.
- Place it in a tray covered with greaseproof paper.
- Cover and ferment again for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat your oven at 200 °C/392 °F.
- Spread yogurt and molasses mixture or scrambled whole eggs on the rising dough.
- Shape the edges and center with your fingertips as you can see in the video below. (Shape the pide dough after it rises in the tray, otherwise, the shapes will be distorted while rising.)
- Sprinkle black cumin and sesame seeds on it and bake in a preheated 200 °C/392 °F oven until golden brown.
TOMATO SAUCE:
- Add the oils and sauté the tomato paste until its smell come along.
- Put the grated tomato and hot water on top and boil.
- Add ketchup and salt when it is close to taking it off the heat.
PLATING:
- Chop your pide bread into small pieces and sauté them in a pan with three tablespoons of butter until the butter is absorbed.
- Spread your sautéed pide bread on your plate.
- Put your doner on your pide bread.
- Pour your tomato sauce.
- Put some plain yogurt on the side.
- You can pour some more melted butter on it to flavor your food.
- Your Iskender Kebab is ready to be served.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Iskender Mean in Turkish?
In Turkish, Iskender refers to a person’s name, specifically the inventor of the famous Iskender kebab, Iskender Efendi. Iskender is commonly associated with this popular Turkish delicacy, becoming synonymous with this specific type of kebab.
What Is the Difference Between Döner Kebab and Iskender Kebab?
When comparing döner kebab and Iskender kebab, note that döner is the style of cooking meat on a spit, while Iskender is a dish with döner meat on pita, topped with tomato sauce, butter, and yogurt.
Is Iskender Kebab Named After Alexander the Great?
No, Iskender Kebab is not named after Alexander the Great. It’s named after Iskender Efendi, the inventor from Bursa, Turkey. The confusion arises from the Turkish meaning of ‘Iskender’ as Alexander.
Is Iskender Healthy?
Yes, Iskender Kebab can be healthy if made with lean meat, whole wheat pita, and yogurt. Adding fresh veggies boosts nutrition. Opt for lighter sauce and watch portion size. Mindful of butter and oil for a balanced choice.
Conclusion
Indulge in the rich flavors of Turkish Iskender Kebab, a true culinary delight that captures the essence of traditional Turkish cuisine.
Each bite is a symphony of savory goodness with its succulent döner kebab meat, spiced tomato sauce, and sheep’s milk butter.
Don’t miss out on experiencing this delectable dish that has stood the test of time and continues to delight food enthusiasts worldwide.
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Enjoy!
