Ingredients:
For the Meat:
Lamb or Beef: 1 lb (450 g), thinly sliced (use sirloin or tenderloin for best results)
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Paprika:1 teaspoon
Ground Cumin:1 teaspoon
Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper: to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
Tomatoes: 2 cups, diced (or one can of crushed tomatoes)
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Oregano: 1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper: to taste
For the Yogurt Sauce:
Greek Yogurt: 1 cup
Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
Salt: to taste
For Serving:
Pita Bread: 4 pieces, cut into pieces or torn into chunks
Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
Fresh Parsley: chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
Add the thinly sliced meat and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce:
In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Arrange the pieces of pita bread in a baking dish.
Place the cooked meat on top of the pita bread.
Spoon the tomato sauce over the meat.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until everything is heated through.
5. Finish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and drizzle with melted butter.
Serve the Iskender Kebab with a dollop of yogurt sauce and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
