Exploring İskender Kebab: Ingredients, Calories, and Cooking Time Revealed
- Deniz Uyanik
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
İskender Kebab, a treasure of Turkish cuisine, offers a burst of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds. Imagine tender slices of döner kebab bathed in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted butter and served with creamy yogurt. Originating from Bursa, this dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that draws both locals and tourists into its delicious embrace.
This guide will take you through the essential ingredients, caloric breakdown, and the time needed to prepare an unforgettable İskender Kebab. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting, you will find everything you need to bring this iconic dish to your kitchen.
Ingredients for İskender Kebab
To create a traditional İskender Kebab, gather the following ingredients:
For the Döner Kebab:
Meat (500g): Use lamb or beef, sliced thinly. Lamb tends to be juicier, while beef provides a leaner option.
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
Tomato Sauce (200ml): Homemade sauce can elevate the dish, contributing to a richer taste.
Butter (50g): Essential for that luscious finish.
For Serving:
Pita Bread: Use about 2-3 pieces, halved and toasted.
Yogurt: 200g, served as a refreshing side.
Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley, providing a burst of color and flavor.
Optional Ingredients:
Chili Flakes: Add these for some heat.
Lemon Wedges: A sprinkle of lemon enhances the flavors beautifully.
These ingredients will create a hearty İskender Kebab, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Caloric Content
Knowing the caloric content is crucial for those who monitor their diet. Here's the breakdown of calories for each component:
Döner Kebab: Approximately 350-400 calories, varying by meat choice. For instance, lamb can add an extra 50 calories due to its fat content.
Tomato Sauce: Adds about 50 calories per serving.
Butter: Drizzling adds around 100 calories.
Pita Bread: A medium piece contributes roughly 150 calories.
Yogurt: Approximately 100 calories.
Fresh Herbs & Optional Ingredients: Usually under 10 calories.
Total Estimated Calories:
The total for one serving of İskender Kebab is around 750-800 calories. This makes it a fulfilling choice for a comforting meal or a special occasion.
Cooking Time
The process of making İskender Kebab involves some dedication, especially marinating the meat. Here's a closer look at the cooking timeline:
Preparation Time:
Marinating the Meat: 2 hours is ideal for deep flavor. If time is short, 30 minutes will suffice.
Chopping Ingredients: Allocate 15 minutes.
Cooking Time:
Grilling the Meat: Expect about 10-15 minutes, depending on the slices' thickness.
Heating the Tomato Sauce: Aim for about 5 minutes to warm.
Toasting Pita Bread: Takes around 5-7 minutes until golden.
Total Time:
From start to finish, you're looking at approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes, including marination and cooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
With the ingredients gathered and time set, follow these simple steps to create your own İskender Kebab.
Step 1: Marinate the Meat
In a bowl, mix olive oil, yogurt, paprika, black pepper, cumin, and salt.
Add the thin slices of lamb or beef, ensuring they're well-coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If you're in a hurry, 30 minutes will work too.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the tomato sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until warmed.
Step 3: Grill the Meat
Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
Grill the marinated meat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until browned.
Step 4: Toast the Pita Bread
Toast the pita bread on a heat source until crispy and golden.
Step 5: Assemble the Plate
Lay the toasted pita bread as a base in a serving dish.
Place the grilled meat on top.
Generously drizzle the warmed tomato sauce over the meat.
Melt the butter and drizzle it over the sauce.
Serve the yogurt on the side and garnish with fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
İskender Kebab pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the dish's richness. You can also consider serving it with a side of Turkish rice or pickles for added texture and flavor.
For an authentic sip, drink Ayran (a yogurt-based drink) or a cup of Turkish tea. These beverages enhance the whole meal experience, creating a delightful dining atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
İskender Kebab is not just a meal; it embodies the rich culinary heritage of Turkey. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a dish worth savoring, whether at a restaurant or homemade.
With this comprehensive guide, you have all the tools to prepare İskender Kebab successfully. So, gather your ingredients and gear up to impress yourself and your friends with this Turkish classic!
