Ramadan Kebab

Ramadan Kebab Recipe from Turkey | Beef, Onion, Tomato, Yogurt, Garlic, Mint

Region / culture: Turkey | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ramadan Kebab is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is popular during the holy month of Ramadan. This dish is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for breaking the fast during Ramadan.

History

Ramadan Kebab has been a staple dish in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Turkey and has since spread to other countries in the region. This dish is traditionally made with lamb, onions, tomatoes, and yogurt, and is seasoned with garlic, red pepper flakes, and mint.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of ground beef or lamb
1 onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped into cubes
2 tbsp of margarine
3 cups of yogurt
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
4-5 pita bread, cut into squares
salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
fresh mint for garnish

How to prepare

Cook the onion for a couple of minutes, then add the ground meat, salt, and black pepper. Stir often and cook the meat.
Add tomatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Set aside with the lid on. Mix yogurt with garlic thoroughly using a fork.
Allow it to reach room temperature. In a saucepan, sauté red pepper flakes in margarine for 3 minutes. Warm the bread in the oven for 5 minutes. On each dinner plate, place pita squares and immediately sprinkle with 2 tbsp warm water. Spread the sautéed meat over the bread.
Next, spread some garlic yogurt on top. Garnish with sautéed red pepper. Sprinkle with mint. Serve hot.

Variations

You can use beef or chicken instead of lamb for a different flavor.
Add some chopped bell peppers and mushrooms for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the meat thoroughly to ensure it is tender and flavorful.

- Be sure to sauté the red pepper flakes in margarine to bring out their flavor.

- Warm the bread in the oven before serving to make it crispy and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ramadan Kebab with a side of rice pilaf and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the meat and vegetables until they are cooked through.

- Warm the bread in the oven before serving to make it crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a tangier flavor.

- Use olive oil instead of margarine for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat and yogurt mixture ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ramadan Kebab on a platter garnished with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Ramadan Kebab with a side of hummus and pita bread for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Fats: 15g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This dish contains wheat (bread) and dairy (yogurt).

Summary

Ramadan Kebab is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for breaking the fast during Ramadan.

Summary

Ramadan Kebab is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for breaking the fast during Ramadan. With its flavorful meat, creamy yogurt, and crispy bread, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Ramadan Kebab. It was during my travels to Turkey, where I spent a month immersing myself in the vibrant culture and rich culinary traditions of the country. One day, I found myself wandering through a bustling market in Istanbul, filled with the enticing aromas of spices, herbs, and grilled meats.

As I meandered through the crowded aisles, my eyes were drawn to a small food stall tucked away in a corner. The stall was manned by a tall, elderly man with a weathered face and warm smile. He was busy skewering chunks of marinated meat onto long metal rods and placing them on a sizzling grill.

Intrigued by the delicious smells wafting from the stall, I approached the man and struck up a conversation with him. He introduced himself as Mustafa, a seasoned cook who had been making kebabs for over 50 years. I was immediately captivated by his passion for food and his wealth of knowledge about traditional Turkish cuisine.

Mustafa generously shared his recipe for Ramadan Kebab with me, a dish that he claimed was a staple during the holy month of Ramadan. He explained that the dish was a symbol of communal unity and shared meals among family and friends during this sacred time.

The recipe itself was simple yet flavorful, consisting of tender chunks of lamb marinated in a blend of yogurt, garlic, cumin, and paprika. The meat was then grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy, succulent kebabs that melted in your mouth.

I watched intently as Mustafa prepared the kebabs, carefully turning them on the grill and basting them with a fragrant mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. The sizzle of the meat and the enticing aroma of the spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

After the kebabs were cooked to perfection, Mustafa plated them up with a generous serving of fluffy rice pilaf, fresh salad, and warm pita bread. He handed me a steaming hot plate and urged me to dig in.

As I took my first bite of the Ramadan Kebab, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before. The tender meat, infused with the tangy yogurt marinade and aromatic spices, was a revelation to my taste buds. Each bite was a symphony of savory and tangy notes, perfectly balanced and utterly delicious.

I savored every mouthful of the kebab, relishing the communal spirit and tradition that it represented. As I finished my meal, Mustafa beamed at me with pride, pleased to have shared his recipe with a curious traveler like me.

From that day on, Ramadan Kebab became a cherished recipe in my repertoire, a dish that I would prepare for special occasions and gatherings with loved ones. Every time I made the kebabs, I would think back to that fateful day in the Istanbul market, where I learned the art of cooking from a wise old man with a passion for sharing his culinary heritage.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Ramadan Kebabs for my family to enjoy, I can't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that led me to this delicious recipe. It serves as a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to our traditions, and to each other. And for that, I am truly thankful.