Introduction
İskender Kebab is one of the most iconic dishes in Turkish cuisine, especially associated with the city of Bursa, where it originated more than 150 years ago. This legendary dish brings together several elements that create its unique identity: toasted Turkish bread, rich tomato sauce, thinly sliced meat, creamy yogurt, and finally a generous drizzle of hot butter poured over the dish just before serving. This harmony of flavors and textures is the secret behind İskender Kebab’s enduring popularity, making it a staple in Turkish restaurants around the world.
First: The Origin and Story of İskender Kebab
İskender Kebab is attributed to İskender Efendi, who lived in Bursa in the late 19th century. His goal was to create a new style of kebab that differed from the traditional skewered grilled meat. He introduced the idea of slicing meat into extremely thin layers, cooking it vertically on a rotating spit, and serving it over pieces of bread with sauce. The dish quickly gained fame across Turkey and became a hallmark of Ottoman cuisine, later securing its place in modern Turkish culinary culture.
Second: What Makes İskender Kebab Special?
1) Thin, Slowly Roasted Meat
Lamb or veal is typically used, marinated simply with yogurt, salt, and mild spices. The meat is cooked on a vertical rotisserie, allowing the fat to slowly drip over the layers, resulting in exceptional tenderness and rich flavor.
2) Toasted Turkish Bread (Pita)
The bread is cut into small cubes and lightly toasted so it can absorb the sauce and butter without falling apart. This base carries the essence of the entire dish.
3) Rich Tomato Sauce
The sauce is prepared the Turkish way—slow-cooked with tomato paste, butter, paprika, and a small amount of meat stock—creating a smooth, vibrant, and deeply flavored sauce.
4) Hot Butter Poured Over the Dish
This famous finishing touch gives İskender Kebab its unmistakable aroma. Butter is melted with paprika or mild chili flakes and poured directly over the meat, often tableside in Turkish restaurants.
5) Turkish Yogurt
A serving of plain Turkish yogurt is placed alongside the kebab, adding a refreshing balance to the rich and warm components.
Third: How to Make İskender Kebab at Home
Although restaurants use a vertical shawarma-style spit, a delicious homemade version can be prepared easily. Here are the main steps:
Main Ingredients:
- Thin slices of veal or lamb
- Toasted Turkish bread (pita), cubed
- Butter + vegetable oil
- Tomato paste + grated tomatoes
- Paprika, salt, and black pepper
- Plain yogurt
Preparation Steps:
1) Preparing the Meat
Marinate the meat in yogurt with a pinch of salt for about two hours. Grill or sauté in a hot pan until the surface caramelizes while remaining tender inside.
2) Preparing the Tomato Sauce
Melt butter in a small pot, add tomato paste, and stir until it darkens slightly. Add grated tomatoes, paprika, and about ¼ cup of water or stock, then simmer until thickened.
3) Preparing the Bread
Toast the bread pieces in the oven or on a pan, then arrange them on a serving plate.
4) Assembling the Dish
Pour the tomato sauce over the bread, arrange the meat slices on top, and finish by pouring the hot red butter directly over the meat.
5) Serving
Serve immediately with a generous spoon of yogurt on the side. Grilled peppers or tomatoes may be added for garnish.
Fourth: Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use meat with a small amount of fat to maintain tenderness.
- Avoid heavy seasoning—the beauty of İskender Kebab lies in its simplicity.
- Serve immediately so the bread does not become overly soft.
- Choose high-quality butter, as it is a key flavor component.
Conclusion
İskender Kebab is more than just a Turkish dish—it is a culinary experience that blends history, flavor, and innovation. From its origins in Bursa to its global recognition, this dish has crossed borders to become one of the most celebrated Middle Eastern-inspired meals worldwide. With authentic ingredients and careful preparation, anyone can recreate a delicious homemade version that rivals what is served in Turkey’s finest restaurants.
