Iskender Kebab

Ingredients for 5 servings:

• 1 kg beef for pan-frying
• 2 tsp paprika powder
• salt and pepper
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp mint, dried
• 100 ml olive oil
• butter
• oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 500 g tomatoes, pureed
• 5 tomatoes
• 5 pointed peppers
• 2 flatbreads
• 300 g yogurt
• 1 garlic clove(s)
• Butter, melted, for drizzling

Instructions

Working time approx. 35 minutes; Rest time approx. 3 hours; Cooking/baking time approx. 25 minutes; Total time approx. 4 hours

from the show “The Perfect Dinner” on VOX from 09.01.2025

Cut the beef into very thin strips. Mix the olive oil and all the specified spices and herbs in a bowl. Add the meat strips, mix well, and cover. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least three hours, preferably overnight. For the tomato sauce, heat the butter and oil in a small saucepan. Briefly sauté the tomato paste, then add the passata. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it reaches a creamy consistency. Cut the pita bread into bite-sized pieces and toast them in a dry pan until crispy. Keep warm. Mix the yogurt with a crushed garlic clove and a pinch of salt. Sear the marinated meat in a hot griddle or on a grill until golden brown and crispy. To assemble and serve, divide the toasted pita bread pieces between plates. Place the meat on top and pour the tomato sauce over it. Top each piece with a dollop of garlic yogurt. Finally, melt butter in a small saucepan and drizzle over the dish. Garnish with grilled tomatoes and pointed peppers. Simay prepared this recipe as a main course on the show “The Perfect Dinner” – Day 4 in Koblenz on Thursday, January 9, 2025.