Authentic Iskender Kebab
30M
50M
- Makes 4 servings
- 500g beef sirloin or leg, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (for marinade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 Turkish pide breads or pitas, cut into 2cm cubes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (for toasting bread)
- 4 ripe tomatoes, grated or pureed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 400g plain Turkish yogurt, at room temperature
- Optional: sumac for garnish
- Marinate the meat: In a bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add sliced beef, toss to coat, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (ideally 2 hours).
- Prepare tomato sauce: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion, green pepper, and garlic until soft (5 minutes). Add tomato paste, cook 1 minute, then stir in grated tomatoes. Simmer 10-15 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
- Toast pita cubes: Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pita cubes in batches, fry until golden and crispy (3-4 minutes). Drain on paper towels and divide into 4 serving plates.
- Cook the meat: Heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat. Cook marinated beef slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Keep warm.
- Assemble: Layer hot pita cubes on plates, top with sliced meat. Spoon hot tomato sauce over the meat. Drizzle generously with hot melted butter. Serve with a dollop of yogurt on the side or top. Garnish with sumac if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Discover the rich world of Authentic Iskender Kebab, a beloved staple of Turkish cuisine that combines tender meats, vibrant sauces, and creamy toppings. Dive into its history, taste profile, and cultural significance to appreciate why this dish captivates food lovers worldwide.
History
The history of Iskender Kebab traces back to the 19th century in Bursa, Turkey, a city renowned for its kebab traditions. Legend credits its invention to İskender Efendi, a skilled chef who transformed the classic döner kebab into something extraordinary. Around 1867, he began slicing thinly marinated beef and layering it over toasted pita bread, then drenching it in a flavorful tomato sauce and hot melted butter, topped with yogurt. This innovation quickly gained fame, spreading from Bursa’s bustling kebab houses across Turkey and beyond. Today, Authentic Iskender Kebab remains a testament to Ottoman culinary ingenuity, preserving age-old techniques in modern Turkish eateries.
Taste Profile
Iskender Kebab’s taste profile is a symphony of bold, harmonious flavors that define Turkish Iskender Kebab. The star is thinly sliced, marinated beef—tender, smoky, and subtly spiced with hints of garlic, cumin, and paprika. It’s nestled on crispy, golden pita cubes that soak up the richness without sogginess. A velvety tomato sauce adds tangy brightness and depth, while sizzling melted butter infuses a nutty, indulgent warmth. Creamy, cooling yogurt balances the heat, creating layers of savory, spicy, tangy, and rich notes. Each bite delivers umami-packed satisfaction with a perfect contrast of textures: juicy meat, crunchy bread, and silky sauce.
Cultural Significance
In Turkish cuisine, Iskender Kebab holds immense cultural significance as Bursa’s signature dish and a symbol of national pride. More than just food, it’s a ritual of hospitality, often shared among family and friends in lively kebabci restaurants. Rooted in Ottoman street food culture, it embodies Turkey’s fusion of Central Asian nomadic grilling with Mediterranean freshness. UNESCO-recognized Turkish gastronomy highlights such kebabs as intangible heritage, and Authentic Iskender Kebab draws pilgrims to Bursa yearly. Globally, it represents Turkey’s vibrant food scene, influencing fusion dishes while staying true to its roots— a must-try for anyone exploring Turkish culinary traditions.
