İskender kebap

İskender kebap is a type of kebab dish that originated in Turkey. Named after its inventor, İskender Efendi, who lived in Bursa in the late 19th century, the dish is a unique variation of the traditional doner kebab.

History

İskender Efendi is said to have invented the dish in 1867. He was inspired by the vertical cooking method of the doner kebab and decided to add his own twist to it. The dish quickly gained popularity in Bursa and eventually spread to other parts of Turkey and beyond.

Preparation

The preparation of İskender kebap involves thinly slicing lamb or beef that has been cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is then placed on a bed of pita bread and topped with a rich tomato sauce. A generous serving of melted sheep's butter and yogurt is added on top. The dish is typically served with a side of Turkish rice and grilled vegetables.

Variations

There are several variations of İskender kebap, including the 'Yogurtlu İskender', which includes a layer of yogurt between the pita bread and the meat, and the 'Tavuklu İskender', which uses chicken instead of lamb or beef.

Cultural Significance

İskender kebap is considered a staple of Turkish cuisine and is a popular dish in many Turkish restaurants around the world. It is often enjoyed on special occasions and is a common choice for festive meals.

See Also

• Doner kebab
• Turkish cuisine
• Bursa