Iskender Kebab
Iskender Kebab is a classic Turkish dish featuring thinly sliced lamb or beef döner meat, served over pieces of pita bread. It's generously topped with a rich tomato sauce and melted butter, and often accompanied by yogurt and grilled vegetables. This recipe focuses on assembling the dish with pre-cooked döner meat for a quicker preparation.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 30 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
Allergen information: may contain gluten and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 4 pcspita bread, cut into 2.5cm squares
- 500 gdöner meat, pre-cooked
sauce
- 2 tbsptomato paste
- 400 gcanned crushed tomato
- 0.5 cupwater
- 2 tbspbutter
- 0.5 tspred pepper flakes
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper
topping
- 4 tbspbutter, melted
side
- 1 cupplain yogurt
garnish
- 1 pcstomato, sliced
- 1 pcsgreen pepper, sliced
Equipment
saucepan · baking sheet · skillet · knife
The method
Step by step
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the pita bread squares in a single layer on a baking sheet.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the pita pieces are in a single layer for even crisping.
- 2
Bake the pita bread for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly toasted and crisp. Remove from oven and set aside.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Watch closely to prevent burning.
- 3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Cooking the tomato paste helps deepen its flavor.
- 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, water, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- 5
While the sauce simmers, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the döner meat and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly browned.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: If the meat is frozen, thaw it completely before cooking.
- 6
To assemble, divide the toasted pita bread among four serving plates. Top the pita with a generous layer of the cooked döner meat.
About 1 min
- 7
Spoon the hot tomato sauce over the meat and pita bread. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of each serving.
About 1 min
- 8
Serve immediately with a dollop of plain yogurt on the side, and garnish with sliced tomato and green pepper.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: For an authentic touch, lightly grill the tomato and green pepper slices before serving.
Keep it good
Store leftover Iskender Kebab components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Reheat the meat and sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Re-toast pita bread if desired. Do not reheat the entire assembled dish.
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