Iskender Kebab is a Turkish dish featuring thinly sliced doner meat served over pieces of pide bread. The dish is topped with a rich tomato sauce and melted butter, and typically accompanied by a side of yogurt. To prepare it, lamb or beef is seasoned and cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is then sliced thin and layered over bite-sized pieces of toasted pide bread. A savory tomato sauce and a generous amount of melted butter are drizzled on top, creating a flavorful and hearty meal. The dish is often garnished with grilled peppers and tomatoes.

Iskender Kebab traces its origins to the late 19th century in Bursa, a city in northwestern Turkey. It was created by İskender Efendi, a Turkish chef who wanted to innovate the traditional way of serving kebabs. By slicing the meat thin and combining it with pide bread, tomato sauce, and butter, he crafted a dish that became widely popular. The kebab's name, "Iskender," honors its creator, and it remains a beloved dish in Turkish cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and historical significance.

Ingredients:

- 500g doner meat (lamb or beef)

- 2 pieces of pide bread, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 2 cups tomato sauce

- 4 tablespoons butter

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: grilled peppers and tomatoes for garnish

Method of Preparation:

1. Prepare the Meat:

  - If using pre-cooked doner meat, slice it thinly. If preparing from scratch, season the meat with salt and pepper, and cook it on a vertical rotisserie until fully cooked. Slice thinly.

2. Toast the Pide Bread:

  - Cut the pide bread into bite-sized pieces and toast them lightly in a pan or oven until crispy.

3. Make the Tomato Sauce:

  - In a saucepan, heat the tomato sauce until it simmers. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Melt the Butter:

  - In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly browned and aromatic.

5. Assemble the Dish:

  - Arrange the toasted pide bread pieces on a serving platter.

  - Place the sliced doner meat over the bread.

  - Pour the hot tomato sauce over the meat and bread.

  - Drizzle the melted butter generously over the top.

6. Serve:

  - Serve immediately with a side of plain yogurt.

  - Optionally, garnish with grilled peppers and tomatoes.

Enjoy your Iskender Kebab, a dish that combines the rich flavors of Turkey’s culinary heritage!

Nutrition Value:

1. Doner Meat (500g):

- Calories: Approximately 1200 kcal (depending on type and cut)

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: Approximately 100g

- Fat: Approximately 90g

- Sodium: Varies (depending on seasoning)

- Cholesterol: Varies (depending on type and cut)

- Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. However, it can be high in saturated fats and cholesterol, so moderation is key.

2. Pide Bread (2 pieces):

- Calories: Approximately 500 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 100g

- Protein: Approximately 16g

- Fat: Approximately 4g

- Sodium: Approximately 800mg

- Cholesterol: Varies

- Nutritional Benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein. However, it's also relatively high in sodium.

3. Tomato Sauce (2 cups):

- Calories: Approximately 160 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 36g

- Protein: Approximately 4g

- Fat: Approximately 2g

- Sodium: Approximately 1200mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and lycopene. Low in fat and calories, but can be high in sodium depending on preparation.

4. Butter (4 tablespoons):

- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: Approximately 45g

- Sodium: Approximately 320mg

- Cholesterol: Approximately 120mg

- Nutritional Benefits: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K. Provides energy and adds richness to dishes, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat content.

5. Plain Yogurt (1 cup):

- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g

- Protein: Approximately 8g

- Fat: Approximately 8g

- Sodium: Approximately 120mg

- Cholesterol: Approximately 30mg

- Nutritional Benefits: Excellent source of calcium, protein, and probiotics for gut health. Low in calories and provides a creamy texture to dishes.

6. Salt and Pepper:

- Calories: Negligible

- Carbohydrates: Negligible

- Protein: Negligible

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Varies (depending on amount used)

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Nutritional Benefits: Adds flavor to dishes but should be used in moderation, especially salt, to avoid excessive sodium intake.

7. Optional Grilled Peppers and Tomatoes:

- Calories: Varies (depending on serving size)

- Carbohydrates: Varies

- Protein: Varies

- Fat: Varies

- Sodium: Varies (depending on seasoning)

- Cholesterol: Varies

- Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber. Low in calories and can add color and flavor to the dish.