Main Course

Iskender Kebab

Name: Iskender Kebab
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: turkish
Ingredients: 4 pcs pita bread cut into 2.5cm squares; 500 g döner meat pre-cooked; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 400 g canned crushed tomato; 0.5 cup water; 2 tbsp butter; 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 4 tbsp butter melted; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 pcs tomato sliced; 1 pcs green pepper sliced

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

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

Storage

Store leftover Iskender Kebab components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Reheating

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.