Homemade Iskender Kebab Recipe

When I stumbled upon the art of crafting a perfect homemade Iskender Kebab, my taste buds did a happy dance—think of it as a trip to Turkey without the jet lag, with marinated lamb and pillowy pita getting cozy under a blanket of luscious tomato sauce and garlicky yogurt.

Creating an Iskender Kebab in the home kitchen captures the heart of the Turkish culinary tradition. This dish’s main attraction is the expertly seasoned lamb.

Cumin and paprika are the stars in that blend. And no surprise, the fresh pita commands respect as well.

Legend has it that the pita is dropped into a rich broth that makes it just that much more irresistible. And then there’s the tomato business.

Homemade Iskender Kebab Recipe Ingredients

• Lamb: Rich in protein and iron, enhances tenderness and flavor.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats, assists in cooking and provides essential fatty acids.
• Cumin: Adds an earthy, warm flavor and has digestive benefits.
• Paprika: Mildly sweet, enhances color and richness in dishes.
• Tomato Sauce: Source of vitamin C and potassium, creates a savory base.
• Garlic: Antioxidant-rich, boosts flavor and aids immunity.

Homemade Iskender Kebab Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 500g lamb, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 pita breads
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make this Homemade Iskender Kebab Recipe

1. Mix together the lamb slices in a bowl with: olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the meat is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat.

2. Warm up your grill or a large skillet set to medium-high heat. Place the marinated lamb slices on the cooking surface for 5-7 minutes, or until you can see they’re cooked throughout and have taken on a slight crispness. Remove the lamb from the heat and cover to keep warm.

3. In another saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the tomato paste and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Warm and slightly crisp, the pita breads are toasted. Each is then cut into pieces that are the perfect size to be served as a dipper. A serving platter is the final stop for the pita pieces before they become the first course that leads into dinner.

5. Ensure that the tomato sauce is poured over the pita pieces in such a way that they are entirely covered.

6. Place the sauced pita pieces around the plate and top each with a generous mound of the smoky eggplant.

7. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, and a dash of salt. Stir until smooth.

8. Yogurt sauce should be drizzled over the lamb and pita.

9. Garnish the top with the chopped fresh mint and parsley.

10. Immediately serve and enjoy your delicious homemade Iskender Kebab, savoring the warmth of every component.

Homemade Iskender Kebab Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Bowl
2. Grill or large skillet
3. Saucepan
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Serving platter
7. Small bowl
8. Spoon for stirring
9. Spatula
10. Measuring spoons
11. Measuring cup
12. Cling film or plate (to cover the marinating lamb)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use beef instead of lamb for Iskender Kebab?A: Yes, you can substitute lamb with beef. For best results, opt for a tender cut like sirloin.
• Q: How do I make the sauce for the Iskender Kebab taste authentic?A: Combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, and butter. Simmer for a few minutes to deepen the flavor, then pour it over the cooked meat and pita.
• Q: Do I need to marinate the lamb slices?A: To amp up the flavor of the lamb, you can marinate it in olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. You don’t have to, but if you do, let the marinade work for at least 30 minutes.
• Q: How should the pita bread be served?The bread pita should be cut into pieces, toasted lightly, and put on the plate before you add the lamb and sauce.
• Q: What can I use as a garnish for Iskender Kebab?A: Bright flavor and excellent garnishes for Iskender Kebab come from fresh mint and parsley.
• Q: Is there a vegetarian version of Iskender Kebab?A: Yes, you may use grilled vegetables or a meat substitute such as seitan to make a vegetarian version of this dish.

Homemade Iskender Kebab Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For lamb: Use beef or chicken to achieve a traditional flavor profile.
For olive oil: Substitute canola or sunflower oil for olive oil.
To accomplish the result of pita bread:

– Attempt to use naan or flatbreads for achieving a similar texture.
To substitute fresh mint: Use fresh basil or cilantro for a different herbaceous note.
To substitute fresh parsley:
Use fresh cilantro or dill.

For dried parsley:
Use the same amount of another herb that you like.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Time For maximum flavor, marinate the lamb overnight if possible. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply, making it more flavorful and tender.

2. Grill Marks If you’re using a skillet, use a grill pan to achieve those attractive grill marks on the lamb slices. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the texture.

3. Pita Bread Preparation For an extra layer of flavor, brush the pita breads with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of cumin before toasting. This will complement the flavors of the lamb.

4. Tomato Sauce Enhancement Add a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce to balance its acidity. You could also try adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.

5. Yogurt Sauce Variety For a richer yogurt sauce, use Greek yogurt. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the yogurt sauce for a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of the lamb.